Children in Bingley are being warned about the dangers of playing on the construction site of the town's relief road.

Representatives from contractors Amec are visiting schools this week to hammer home the message that youngsters should stay away from heavy machinery.

Ruth Worseley, community liaison officer for the company, started the safety lessons by speaking to pupils at Trinity All Saints Primary School about the measures in place to protect workers on the site.

She also warned children about playing near water-filled drainage ditches at sites along the five-kilometre stretch from Crossflatts to Cottingley Bar.

Mrs Worseley said: "We want to make sure children understand that construction sites are not play areas."

Highways Agency project manager Peter Scally said it was important to outline the dangers before the six-week summer holiday, when youngsters will be looking for outdoor activities.

"Safety on site is one of prime concerns. Heavy construction sites can be dangerous places and we want to warn children and their parents to stay clear of the work currently under way."

A public exhibition setting out details of the project will be held in the Bingley Arts Centre on July 26 and 27 when members of the public will have chance to meet representatives from the Highways Agency and Amec.