OVER 1,500 schoolchildren attended this years Crucial Crew event at the Withybush Showground.

The event, which ran for ten days, is a multi-agency approach to child safety featuring the emergency services, National Farmers Union (NFU), Western Power, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS).

Children were warned about the dangers of fire in the home, strangers at the door and objects on the beach. They were told what to do in a medical emergency, in the event of a fire and if they witness a crime.

The council gave information about bike and road safety, the NFU warned about the dangers of farm equipment and heavy hay bales, while Western Power drew attention to the hazards of pylons, overhead cables and sub-stations. In a first appearance at Crucial Crew, ADAS told the children about illegal traps and poisons used to control pests.

Crucial Crew has been going since 1993 and receives sponsorship from Texaco. Every child who attends gets a T-shirt and a booklet which summarises the essential information.

Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade community safety officer, John Llewellyn, said: It makes sense for different organisations to work together like this because our aims cross over in so many areas.

Children take the information in far more readily when they are outside the classroom environment. This is a very interactive event and we hope that, if we can make it fun, the information will get across more effectively.

We do see this information making a difference, preventing accidents and saving lives.

* Pictured are some of the children, instructors and organisers at this years Crucial Crew event. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.