MORE than 1,300 schoolchildren in Hartlepool are taking part in a scheme that aims to make them more aware of personal safety.

Crucial Crew, which runs until Thursday, involves pupils taking part in workshops on the themes of fire safety, kitchen safety, road safety, safety at the coast, electrical safety, railway safety, prison life and garden and firework safety.

It is a multi-agency project involving British Energy Hartlepool, Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Hartlepool Primary Care Trust, HM Coastguard, the No Way Trust Ltd, Northern Electric and Network Rail.

Emma Tierney, the council's health development officer, said: "The aim is to provide an enjoyable way of teaching children to become more aware of personal safety, to learn how to react to dangerous situations and to give the youngsters a chance to practise safety skills in an exciting, stimulating and safe environment."

Thirty-two schools will be attending this year's event, which is being held at the British Energy Information Centre next to Hartlepool Power Station.