A WARNING has been sent out to children to avoid playing at the region's quarries as the summer holidays and warmer weather approach.

In an attempt to highlight the perils of playing near quarries a major campaign has been launched called Play Safe, Stay Safe.

County Durham's 26 working quarries will join the campaign, launched by national trade association the Quarry Products Association (QPA), by circulating wall charts, arranging class trips and visiting schools.

One school already dedicated to such efforts is Coxhoe Primary School, which overlooks Coxhoe Quarry, near Durham City.

Headteacher John Brennan said: "We work with the quarry managers to remind pupils to keep away from the site.

"After visiting the quarry and seeing a controlled explosion, they realise they are dirty, smelly and very dangerous places.

"A pupil's father, PC Keith Philpott, joined the attempted rescue of a boy who sadly died at another quarry, which really brought home the dangers. Hopefully, this campaign will stop that happening again."

Elizabeth Clements, of the QPA, said: "Quarry lakes are not for swimming in, as they are usually very deep and terribly cold; sand piles are not places to dig tunnels, as they can collapse; and there are often steep faces and heavy machinery around."

The Play Safe, Stay Safe campaign is supported nationally by the emergency services and other bodies, a view echoed in the North-East.

Chief Inspector Andy Reddick, head of community safety with Durham Police, said: "We always look to the owners of these sites to ensure adequate security to prevent access, but any steps to reduce the chance of tragedy happening come with our full support."

John Suckling, head of planning at Durham County Council, said: "It is important to get the message across that quarries may look an entertaining place, but they are very dangerous, and young people should stay well clear."