VITAL safety lessons are being given to Halton children.

More than 1,500 pupils from the borough’s primary schools are gaining practical hand-on experience of tackling a range of emergencies.

Crucial Crew is a two-week awareness scheme to show nine and 10-year-olds what to do if they face a problem or danger.

Every day scenarios that children could come across are set out in rooms at The Select Security Stadium by teams of professional safety experts.

Halton Council leader, Clr Rob Polhill, said: “With so many dangers around us, it is more important than ever that children know what to do in the event of an emergency.

“This practical event reduces the risks, gives them confidence and increases their social responsibility.”

Each room is staffed by members of a safety organisation, including Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Community Safety Partnership, Halton Council’s road safety, environmental health, transport Co-ordination, Children Safeguarding Board, and Sports Development Team, Innovative Safety Solutions Ltd, Darren Dean Associate Training Ltd, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust health improvement team.