STAY safe is the police advice being given to thousands of Redditch youngsters for the summer holidays.

Parents have been advised to teach children how to react in risky situations and to teach them important 'Do's' and 'Don'ts'.

Schools liaison officer Pc Quita Freeman said: "We want children to enjoy the holidays and they can do this better by staying safe.

"We don't want to alarm them but we can alert them to dangers.

"When playing outside children should say where they are going and agree a time to be home, also remembering there is safety in numbers.

"They should be encouraged to learn their own telephone number and address as well as knowing when and how to make an emergency call.

"Youngsters should be told to run, yell and tell if approached by a stranger and should seek help from a police officer, shop or other busy place.

Pc Freeman added: "A few basic pointers can help avoid many serious situations so it's important to remind them about safety tips they've learnt at school.

"Open water poses a major danger. Children should be told never to swim in rivers, lakes or canals as they cannot see what lies beneath or how strong currents are.

"Even the strongest swimmer can drown in such circumstances.

"They should also look after valuables, especially if they have mobile phones which are often targeted.

"My message to parents is to act with safety in mind and enjoy the summer holidays with their children."