MORE than 600 children from 21 primary schools will make up force of young rural crimefighters this week.

The youngsters from Weardale and Teesdale are learning a lesson in country issues at open air classrooms in Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, led by a police community safety team and experienced professionals from organisations including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The initiative is in its second year.

Police hope to encourage the children, aged between nine and 11, to nurture their surroundings and keep out of trouble.

They also want them to act as extra eyes and ears and report any signs of trouble to their parents, teachers or police officers. The Health and Safety Executive will concentrate on farm safety.

Sally Wade, who is taking part, said: "We found last year that the children really responded to the farm safety display. This will have a number of scenes which will portray the kind of everyday hazards that are found on the farm.

"These hazards can catch out anyone, but children seem particularly susceptible to them.

"Farm life can seem idyllic to town dwellers, but the reality is far from that tranquil picture. Farms can pose major hazards and we at the HSE are looking to educate people to enjoy themselves on the farm, but to take extreme care when doing so."