More than 1,000 youngsters from across Castle Point have been learning some crucial lessons in life.

The year six pupils from junior schools all over the borough took time out from reading, writing and maths to learn how to keep safe and protect others at the Crucial Crew exhibition at the Paddocks in Long Road, Canvey.

Children learned all about fire, drugs, electricity, water, road and railway safety as well as how to deal with 999 calls, first aid, protecting property and stranger danger.

Castle Point Council, Essex County Council, Canvey police, Rayleigh police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the St John Ambulance and rail company LTS were just some of the companies and organisations which helped out at the event.

They all staged demonstrations and shows which hammered the important lessons in life home to the ten and 11-year-olds.

PC Jacque Barber, Rayleigh police's schools liaison officer, organised the event.

She said: "There were ten safety scenarios which the children could come across every day and will have to think about.

"They were the kind of things we are always being asked about so I hope it was useful."

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Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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