SCHOOLCHILDREN from Hambleton and Richmondshire have joined forces to launch a safety campaign.

More than 2,000 youngsters joined Hambleton District Council chairman Denis Howey to sign up for the Crucial Crew campaign taking place at RAF Leeming.

The two-week exercise will see children being taught vital lessons on how to tackle emergencies, by safety experts.

Ten scenarios are being staged for the exercise, which is a joint campaign organised by Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire Police.

The ten and 11-year-olds, from 80 schools, are given the chance to react to difficult situations and are taught how to deal with strangers and use victim support services.