YOUNGSTERS had the chance to learn about all sorts of danger in a fun environment thanks to a visit to 'Crucial Crew Road'.

Year Six pupils from St Richard's RC School in Atherton enjoyed a morning at the mock-up 'road' which is based above the Student Union in Bolton Institute.

A wide variety of agencies make use of the facility, which looks just like any street in Bolton complete with a mock cafe, pub, kitchen, newsagent and phone box.

The 40 children from St Richard's met staff from Greater Manchester Ambulance, the Drugs Team, Fire Service, Norweb, British Telecom, North West Water, Road Safety and Greater Manchester Police in a bid to make them more safety conscious and aware of everyday dangers.

In groups of six the youngsters visited every facility in the street and learned a great deal, including how to save a baby from a fire, how to resuscitate someone who had collapsed, the dangers of deep water, electricity and the need to remain calm and clear if making a '999' call. Christopher Battle, aged 11, said: "I've enjoyed it and learned things I didn't know before.

"The hospital scene was best as I had no idea what to do before today if someone had collapsed."

Sub-officer Ken Wadeson from Bolton's Community Fire Safety Department said: "The kids love it because they have a chance to experience everything practically rather than just sitting and listening to someone talking about what would happen in a certain situation."

Children from schools in Bolton, Salford, Bury and Wigan will all have an opportunity to visit the facility which is likely become a permanent feature in the old Derby Street school.

The pioneering project was launched in Bolton in 1992, but this is the first time the initiative has found a semi-permanent home.