A SAFETY event giving children hands-on lessons in coping with emergencies has started.
About 2,000 youngsters from 85 schools in Richmondshire and Hambleton will attend the Crucial Crew initiative at RAF Leeming over the next fortnight.
Eleven settings have been staged for the exercise, which is a joint campaign by Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire Police.
Kevin Hardisty, the council's environmental health officer, said: "It's a vital part of the partnership approach to safety which has been adopted across this county.
"If we help to save just one person's life, the entire exercise has been worthwhile."
The ten and 11-year-olds learn how to handle difficult situations, and dial 999 using specially-manned telephone lines. Children are taught about dangers around the home and garden, on the beach, what to do in a fire or road traffic accident and how to deal with strangers. Building site safety is also covered and, for the first time this year, anti-bullying advice will be given.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article