ALMOST 700 schoolchildren have taken part in an annual event that aims to reduce anti-social behaviour in Hartlepool.

Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Day was attended by Year 8 pupils from Dyke House Sports and Technology College, St Hild’s Church of England School, Manor Community Academy, Catcote Academy, High Tunstall College of Science and the town’s Pupil Referral Unit.

Issues covered included alcohol misuse; life choices; youth offending; anti-social behaviour, gangs and peer pressure; domestic violence and healthy relationships; hoax calls, fire setting and the dangers posed by derelict buildings; and water safety.

Councillor Shane Moore, chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership and leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that Hartlepool is a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit, and ASBAD has a vital role to play in that.

“I would like to thank the schools who attended and the pupils who participated so keenly in the workshops."