YOUNGSTERS have started learning vital lessons that could save their lives.

Seven and eight-year-old pupils at Deneside Junior School, in Seaham, are among 2,000 children in East Durham who will receive tuition in road safety.

The scheme is part of a two-year pilot by Durham County Council that aims to reduce the area's higher than average number of child casualties.

The youngsters will be taught everything they need to know about crossing roads safely, and will get the chance to put their knowledge into practice under supervision.

Alan Kennedy, the council's road safety manager, said the two-and-a-half hour session was the first of three phases of learning for the youngsters.

He said: "We took them into streets not far from the school and were talking about the street environment, what the road consists of, what the street furniture is called, and the basic dangers of traffic.

"We start at the bottom, with the basics, and we'll be developing their skills and knowledge all the way."

Mr Kennedy said the lessons were targeted at seven and eight-year-olds because it was at that age that they want independence, to walk to school and play out on their own.

"We are hoping to see a reduction in casualties very soon," he said.

Mr Kennedy said areas of high deprivation, such as Easington, often had the highest number of children involved in accidents.

"We are aiming for a 50 per cent reduction in child casualties across the county by 2020. We are well on track to achieving this Government-set target," he said.