A CAMPAIGN is being launched to keep youngsters in Teesside safe from dangers ranging from traffic to child abuse.

About 30 organisations are staging a one-day rally aimed at getting a safety message across to children.

The messages are being presented in a fun package which will include jazz bands, dancers, henna painters and emergency service demonstrations.

The Millennium Exhibition Protecting Children 2000 is to be held on Saturday at the Cellnet Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, to mark National Child Protection Week. It has been put together by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland area child protection committees.

Middlesbrough Football Club's Roary the Lion mascot will join the fun, with Cleveland Police's Billy the Bear and Badgie the Badger warning children about speaking to strangers. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Spike the Hedgehog will provide road safety information.

Older children will get the chance to have a spin in a police car on Cleveland Police's skid pan and there will be guided tours around the football stadium.

Cleveland Fire Brigade will warn children of the dangers of fire and the ambulance service and St John Ambulance will provide demonstrations.

Organisations such as the NSPCC will be at the exhibition to talk to youngsters about bullying problems or other concerns.

Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle, patron of support group Childcall, is opening the event.

Other themes will include safety in the home, toy safety, substance misuse, sex education and children's rights.

Counsellors will be available to give advice on sensitive issues such as child abuse and exploitation.

Transport has been arranged to pick up children and parents travelling to the exhibition from East Cleveland, Guisborough, Grangetown and South Bank.