GIANT snakes and ladders, a dustbin derby and an anti-smoking quiz were part of the fun for youngsters in Hartlepool yesterday.

Year five pupils from four primary schools in the town were invited to take part in an event called Environment Roundabout, which was designed to help them learn about the environment and the effect it can have on health.

Almost 300 pupils from the Brougham, Eldon Grove, Jesmond Road and Sacred Heart primary schools attended the event, which was funded by Hartlepool Health Action Zone.

The children learned about the dangers smoking can have on the environment and health. They discovered the causes of climate change and what can be done to prevent it.

Pupils took part in a dustbin derby to recycle rubbish, and found out more about their local coastline using a game of snakes and ladders.

The event was run by Hartlepool Borough Council's environmental stewardship team and also involved organisations, such as Cleveland Police, the Coastguard, the Tees Smoking Cessation Service, and various council departments.

Organiser Emma Tierney, of Hartlepool council, said: "The idea is that the children learn about different aspects of the environment, and how it can affect their health, through different scenarios, such as carrying out ordinary household activities or travelling to school."