SCHOOLCHILDREN were given lessons on staying safe over the summer holiday during an awareness day.

More than 300 year 10 and 11 pupils from schools across Wirral attended the event, at the Emergency Services Training Centre in Birkenhead.

There were demonstrations from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police armed response, Wirral Council road safety, Merseyrail/Network Rail, Internet Safety, the NHS and Coastguard.

According to statistics, accidental injuries lead to more than two million children under 15 having to attend accident and emergency across the country.

Many of these accidents are preventable and the event.

Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "The Force is always looking for new ways to engage with, and keep young people safe.

"This event builds on the fantastic work which is being done through the Mini Police scheme, the cadets and many other initiatives, with the aim of helping pupils from across Wirral to keep themselves safe during the school holidays.

"We know that many accidents that take place during the six-week break are preventable and by holding this multi-agency event we are equipping the young people with the skills to keep themselves out of harm's way.

"I would like to thank all the organisations that have supported this event and given their time to make it such a worthwhile event for the schools who attended."

Constable Gill Bell, Youth Engagement Officer from Merseyside Police said: “Just before the summer holidays is an ideal time for this event, which has some extremely impactive reminders to keep children safe.

“We are grateful to the centre and Merseytravel for developing this initiative, and to all the partners who have supported it.

Mark Thomas, Group Manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are proud to have supported the Safety Awareness Show along with our partners from across Merseyside. "By working together like this, we are able to positively engage younger members of our communities and highlight dangers to them more effectively, ensuring we can prevent needless future accidents."

Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Portfolio Holder, said: “With the summer holidays fast approaching many young people will be out and about across the public transport network, so this event has been a great way of reminding them how to stay safe and act responsibly whilst still having fun with their mates.”