CHILDREN were joined by Redcar MP Vera Baird when they learned about rail safety.

More than 1,800 pupils in east Cleveland are taking part in the tenth annual Crucial Crew Scheme aimed at educating them about dangerous situations.

Scenarios to teach the youngsters will be set up by HM Coastguard, Northern Electric, Network Rail, Arriva buses, the fire service, the Lifesaving Society and school nurses.

The children will learn how to deal with hazardous situations, from chip pan fires to accidents, through role play.

Ms Baird joined primary school pupils to learn about rail safety with Network Rail and British Transport Police.

She said she was delighted to see pupils in her own back yard being given an opportunity to learn about rail safety and the potential hazards on and off the track.

Vicki Smith, Network Rail's external liaison officer, said: "Crucial crews provide the opportunity to deliver rail safety messages to a large number of children in one location.

"With the school holidays fast approaching, it is vital that we can deliver these messages so children can stay safe and enjoy the summer."

Most offences across the country's railways are committed by boys aged between eight and 16, and cost the railways £260m each year and cause delays equivalent to 538 days.