AS we prepare for the festive season, young BEN reader Deborah Yates, aged 11, has come up with her own advice to young and old.

Deborah, a Year Seven pupil at St James C of E Secondary School, is a member of the reporting team on the BEN's Schools Out publication.

She says: As the cold winter nights set in, and Christmas is almost upon us, there are many things to be cautious and wary about at this time of year.

When going out in cold weather, always make sure you wrap up warm.

Wear thick clothing, ie jumper, coat, thermal socks, hat, scarf and gloves. You can soon get a nasty chill or hypothermia in this weather, especially the young and elderly.

Keep away from icy waters, these are highly dangerous especially when frozen.

Many children have drowned when playing on frozen waters, because the ice has broken and they can't get out.

Your body loses heat much quicker in cold water, and by the time help has arrived it is too late.

You are also putting other people's lives at risk. So please remember -- KEEP OFF THE ICE!!

If you have any elderly neighbours, now is the time to keep a check on them -- ask your parents if it's OK to look in on them and make sure they are well.

It's especially important to make sure they are warm enough and can get to the shops for their food.

Maybe you could ask your mum or dad to pick up supplies from the supermarket or local shop.

Remember don't do anything without your mum or dad's permission and make sure they know where you are at all times.

Adults should be careful when buying children's toys.

Make sure they are of good quality. Some toys are of poor quality, which can be very hazardous for young children, especially those toys with small parts as children up to four-years-old like to put things in their mouths. Small pieces can get stuck in their throats, causing them to choke. Most toys and games specify the age group they are aimed at on the packaging.

Others have warnings if they are not suitable for children under a certain age. Please make sure you check before you buy.

Finally, if you are a child reading this, please ask your parents to read it as well.

Most adults like to have a few drinks of alcohol over the festive season, but if you do have a drink, please remember to leave your car at home.

There are plenty of buses and taxis that you can use.

You may think of this as extra expense, but what is a few extra pounds when compared with ruining somebody else's life or your own?

Why ruin Christmas, when it is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year -- a time for everybody to enjoy?

You may have seen the consequences of what can happen. Police campaigns and videos have shown the tragic aftermath of what has happened through drinking and driving on the television.

SO, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP AND THINK! DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.

May I wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year. Please be careful and sensible in everything you do, enjoy it! Don't ruin it!