THOUSANDS of children are getting crucial lessons in safety.

Some 2,000 youngsters from more than 71 primary schools across Bolton are joining the Crucial Crew this week.

The Crew has been put together by Bolton’s Safeguarding Board, the organisation responsible for promoting safety and keeping children safe.

Its members include the police, fire and ambulance services, Bolton Road Safety Unit, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, school nurses, British Transport Police and Bolton Council’s Environmental Services.

The sessions, held at Bury Interchange, got under way yesterday as pupils learned about staying safe on the roads when out playing. To ensure they got the message, the group re-enacted a traffic accident.

Throughout the week, pupils will be guided through a number of interactive scenarios to help them learn about subjects including safety in the home, electricity and dangers of alcohol.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Bolton Council, said: “It is vital that Bolton’s young people learn about the need to stay safe, and can act on the messages given to them at Crucial Crew.

“I want to thank all the partners, sponsors and, of course, the schools for making this huge project happen.”

The event will run until February 13, and again from February 23 until March 6.