PRIMARY schoolchildren in the region are to be taught how to be safe around dogs.

ACC Milk has joined with the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) to teach children in the North-East about responsible dog ownership.

For ten weeks, starting from today, schools will receive milk cartons featuring Mr Men and Bash Street Kids characters promoting NCDL messages.

The cartons feature four designs and each displays a different dog safety or responsibility message for children to learn.

Each class will also receive a poster showing the do's and don'ts of being safe around dogs.

NCDL education manager Hollie Sevenoaks said: "This promotion will help the NCDL educate young people about the responsibilities and commitments involved in dog ownership, while bringing fun into the classroom."

As well as highlighting key messages, the promotion encourages children to recycle their milk cartons.

Schools interested in ordering educational resources from the NCDL are asked to call the charity on 0870 3330432.