HUNDREDS of youngsters are learning how to stay safe, in a series of workshops.

Almost 700 pupils from nine schools are taking part in the week-long event, which has been organised by Gateshead Borough Council.

The Stop and Think workshops are now in their seventh year, and are supported by Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Northumbria Police, the Whoops Child Safety Project, and Gateshead and South Tyneside Health Promotions.

The youngsters, aged nine to 11, take part in six role-playing scenarios.

Most childhood accidents take place in the playground, on the road and in the home.

The scenarios show some of the dangers the children could encounter in everyday life.

The workshops encourage them to stop and think before they put themselves in danger.