A WALL chart, video and class visits are part of a campaign to stop children being tempted by the "adventure playground" lure of quarries during the holidays.

The "Play Safe...Stay Safe" campaign has been launched in response to renewed fears about youngsters falling to their deaths or being injured during the summer months.

As summer approaches, the Quarry Products Association warned of the dangers posed by sites across the UK, including 26 in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"It's a problem that worries quarry managers right across the country," said the QPA's Elizabeth Clements.

"Over recent years a number of children have been injured and tragically, some have died.

"As well as being very deep and very cold, sand piles are not places to dig tunnels because they can collapse, and there are obvious dangers in steep faces and heavy machinery."

Last July, 17-year-old Yunus Ismail Moolla drowned in Malvern's disused Gullet Quarry, owned by Malvern Hills Conservators, after swimming into the five metre-deep water.

Friends tried to rescue him when they saw him struggling, but the Gloucester student disappeared underneath.

Ms Clements yesterday echoed the Conservators' warning of the dangers of treating quarries as adventure playgrounds.

"One of our most worrying problems involves youngsters who take bikes or even motorbikes because they think the terrain is exciting," she said.

"They fail to recognise the many hazards."

Quarry managers now plan to circulate wall charts in schools and invite classes to local quarries as part of the campaign.

A school resource pack and video featuring TV presenter Katie Hill will also be available.

"We regard schools as a vital ally in getting the message across, but our appeal also goes to parents," said Ms Clements.

"They need to know where their children are playing and perhaps need to investigate the many safe places that are available through the summer."

For more information telephone 0207 730 9194 or e-mail parsons@qpa.org