YOUNGSTERS from rural areas were able to experience emergency situations at first hand during a safety event hosted by the Fire Service.

Members of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were joined by ambulance crews, police and school nurses to help show children the correction action to take and right way to behave when they are confronted with an emergency.

Pupils from Weardale and Teesdale schools attended the Masonic Hall in Shildon for the nine-day event, which drew to a conclusion this week.

It is the sixth year that the Safety Carousel event has been held by Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

Dave Turnbull, from the fire and rescue service, said: "For the last seven years we have had funding from the SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) through Durham County Council, and that comes to an end this year.

"We are now looking to ensure that this programme continues, because the hard facts that we can speak off show that seven children who we have spoken to have been saved or have saved someone through the instructions that they have received from events such as these. There are probably more than this.''

The event is normally held at the Territorial Army premises in Bishop Auckland, but because of a last-minute hitch, the venue had to be switched.

Mr Turnbull said: "The Shildon Masons stepped in at the last minute and offered us the Masonic Hall free of charge. We are very grateful to them for their help and support.''