CHILDREN from schools across Bromsgrove and Redditch have been taking part in a new citizen's challenge event that has been launched.

The first Young Citizen's Challenge for the towns was organised by West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and took place at the Ryland Centre, in New Road, throughout last week.

Around 700 year six students from schools had the opportunity to take part in a series of scenarios designed to raise awareness of various aspects of personal safety.

The seven scenarios covered water, fire, electrical, road and internet safety, plus anti-social behaviour, first aid and stranger awareness.

The events featured representatives from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, the Safer Roads Partnership, Severn Area Rescue Association, Safer Bromsgrove, Safer Redditch, the Red Cross and Western Power Distribution.

Caroline Webster, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's North District Community Safety Advisor, said: "The aim is to empower the young people to make positive choices to maintain their personal and community safety.

"It is very much experiential learning as each scenario is interactive and based around student participation."