THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is appealing for North-East parents to take care of their children when they visit funfairs and theme parks over the bank holiday weekend.

Since 2001, 320 children have been injured at fairs and amusement parks, frequently because safety instructions have been ignored or overlooked.

HSE staff advised parents to check their children are above the required height to ride on attractions, and that restraints fit them securely when they are on the ride.

Rides should be properly supervised and children should pay attention to safety instructions given to them by ride operators. Parents should make clear to their children that they must sit still while on a ride.

HSE research shows that young children have a much lower perception of risk than adults and that while on fairground rides, they may try to maintain eye-contact with their parents.

This can lead to children turning, kneeling and even standing up on rides to see their parents.

A final tip is to check that the ride clearly displays an Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) sticker, which confirms it has been inspected for safety.

HSE principal inspector Barry Baker said: "Many families enjoy a day at the fair, and everyone plays their part in making them safe.

"Simple precautions prevent most accidents. Do not let your children go on rides that have not got a safety sticker or look in poor condition."