YOUNGSTERS across Craven have been given crucial tips that could help save their lives.

This week the district's first Crucial Crew event, helping children stay safe while at school and at play, was held at Play Away's Eshton Grange in Gargrave.

In the past, Craven youngsters have had to travel to Ripon where the advice was often not relevant to children living in a rural community.

About 700 year six children from 30 schools were placed in different real-life scenarios and were taught how to deal with problems in an appropriate way.

Audience participation played an important part in getting the messages across.

The youngsters from schools across the district learnt about water safety, fire safety, crime, sun safety, bullying, Drugs, road safety, relationships at home and safety in the countryside.

Sponsored by the Craven Crime Reduction Partnership, the week-long event involved representatives from many different services including the fire brigade, police, ambulance, Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol, county council education department, Victim Support and the Royal Life Saving Society.

PC Neil Hargreaves, who has helped co-ordinate the event, said: "Initial feedback has been great. The kids love the site here and they are getting really involved."

It is hoped that Crucial Crew will become an annual event and the scenarios will be altered to deal with topical issues.