A FUN and thought-provoking day out is giving hundreds of schoolchildren a chance to learn important lessons which might one day save their lives.

The Crucial Crew event is giving youngsters from 35 primary schools in Tendring a chance to learn about road safety, the dangers of smoking, staying off railway lines and how to deal with fires Dovercourt Caravan Park is the venue for the sessions, run by Tendring Council’s community safety team every weekday until Thursday next week.

Organisations including Essex Fire and Rescue Service, NHS North East Essex and Network Rail are putting on short, interactive plays to make youngsters think about how they would deal with different situations. Essex County Council, Essex Police, the RNLI, the British Red Cross and Support At The Junction, which helps young people with emotional problems, are also involved.

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, said the event had been a huge success. He added: “The feedback from the schools which attended has been excellent. They have said pupils got a great deal out of the experience. The schools were all disappointed when the event did not take place last year and are really glad it is back.”

Mr Brown added: “The event could not take place without their backing and the efforts of all the various partners in this important and worthwhile initiative are greatly appreciated.”