Pupils play it safe to win top police prize (From Worcester News)

Pupils play it safe to win top police prize

12:00pm Thursday 22nd July 2004 in News

SAFETY conscious pupils at Franche Middle School in Kidderminster have scooped a top award after being quizzed by police about how to tackle everyday dangers.

Year six children from the school, in Chestnut Grove, were the highest scorers in the Young Citizen scheme, organised by Kidderminster police.

They had been given 10 situations by officers and asked how they would cope. Among the issues covered were safety near railway tracks and on the roads and in the district's natural beauty spots.

A total of 1,200 year six children from district middle schools took part in the contest, at Trimpley Reservoir.

During a visit to the reservoir, the children were asked the best way of helping someone who had fallen in, without putting themselves at serious risk, and also were put in a simulated danger zone.

Year six co-ordinator at the school, Paul Dyke, said: "They were put in a container by the fire service which was filled with a special kind of smoke. The kids had to get out in the complete darkness so they had to get on the floor and come out the front door.

"The whole thing was to do with making them safer in situations which might cost them their life or put them in danger. It was really worthwhile.

"What the kids learned was useful and I am very proud of them."

PC Adrian Hewitt, who organised the event, said: "The pupils from Franche Middle School put in an exceptional performance, with an average score per team of 94 and a half marks out of 100.

"Hopefully, the lessons learned will be remembered by them not only during the school holidays but for the rest of their lives."