A HOUSE builder has been giving children safety lessons in keeping away from a building site close to their school.

Pupils at Errington School, Marske, have learnt the lesson by producing warning posters urging other youngsters to steer clear.

Christine Stinson, the school's headteacher praised the builders' intervention.

She said: "It was really good to see developers being a responsible neighbour.

"I think the fact that Yuill Homes has taken time and effort to engage the children here has certainly raised awareness of the dangers of playing on building sites."

The company encouraged the school children to design the posters to be displayed around the construction site.

Samantha Heppell and Lauren Rodgers won first prize and Kyle Bonson, Caitlin Emmerson and Nick Wall came second in the design competition and all received book vouchers.

Yuill Homes are working with social landlords Coast and Country Housing Association to replace post-war prefabs with modern two and three bedroom homes.

Glyn Neasham, health and safety manager at Yuill Homes, said: "At all our sites we are conscious of our responsibility towards the health and safety of the general public, and this is never more important than with children.

"St Germain's Gardens development is so close to Errington Primary School that we wanted to work with teachers to make sure pupils were aware that building sites are no place for children. We are all pleased that the competition and talk we conducted at the school seem to have certainly achieved that aim."