PUPILS are taking part in a safety campaign aimed at teaching them how to cope with dangerous situations.

About 2,000 children from across East Cleveland are taking part in the multi-agency scheme, organised by Cleveland Police.

The Crucial Crew campaign hopes to teach them about personal safety and how to avoid hazards.

The youngsters are taking part in role-play exercises and are offered tips on what to do in dangerous situations, ranging from chip pan fires to road accidents.

The Crucial Crew scheme began in 1995 and is a proven success. It is designed to be fun as well as educational.

Organiser PC Vic Kendall said: "Crucial Crew is a specially designed child safety initiative which aims to help youngsters become more aware of their own and others' personal safety in a variety of dangerous situations."

The scheme runs until July 6 and involves ten and 11-year-olds from 48 primary schools.