EVERY child in Darlington is to be given a card containing vital advice about keeping safe on the internet.

Nearly 15,000 cards will be given to young people in the town in the hope of averting another tragedy such as the death of Ashleigh Hall.

The cards have been paid for by The Northern Echo following its successful campaign to make internet safety a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

It is hoped the cards will eventually be distributed to young people all over the UK.

The cards contain Ashleigh’s Rules – a set of guidelines devised by former classmates of the 17-year-old at Darlington College.

Yesterday, the first batch of the cards was delivered to the college.

Ashleigh, who was studying childcare at the college, was found dead in a field outside Sedgefield, County Durham, in October. The previous day she had left her home in Darlington after arranging to meet someone she had met through a social networking site.

In the wake of her death, The Northern Echo, supported by Darlington Borough Council, launched the Safety Net campaign.

Last month, Schools Secretary Ed Balls announced that every child over the age of five would have lessons in school on how to keep safe online.

Yesterday, Darlington College principal Tim Grant said he hoped the Ashleigh’s Rules cards could eventually be distributed nationally.

“This is a good example of how young people have created a positive out of a terrible tragedy.

“I am sure it will make a difference.

Young people communicate very differently to when I was younger. Therefore, like all dangers in the past, we need to have some safety guidelines.

“We have ambitions to take the cards further and possibly make them available to principals in schools and colleges up and down the country.”

One of Ashleigh’s classmates, Aymie Parker, 17, said: “It is more of a positive outcome.

I think it is a brilliant idea.”

Natalie Waters, 17, who was also on the childcare course with Ashleigh, said: “I think children in primary schools should also be taught about internet safety. Nine and tenyear- olds are using social networking sites. I think it is important they are aware.”

Classmate Kayleigh Doherty, 18, said: “I think the cards are good. It hopefully will help others.”

■ Homeless Peter Chapman 33, has denied the murder, rape and kidnapping of Ashleigh.

He also denied failing to register a change of address as required by the Sexual Offences Act. He is due to stand trial at Teesside Crown Court in March.