YOUNGSTERS throughout Worcestershire are being taught skills to help them avoid accidents and injury.

Wyre Forest District Council and West Mercia police have joined forces to host The Young Citizen Challenge.

A total of 1,400 children from nearby schools will attend the event, where they will be tested on their reactions to a range of everyday hazards.

They will be greeted by mock-ups of dangers such as a river, and reveal the safety advice they know about each scenario.

The event aims to discover youngsters' responses to the hazards and at the end of the challenge, experts will teach them the correct way to tackle each danger.

The youngsters, who are aged 10 to 11, will be split into teams of between four and six for the event, which runs from Monday, June 25 to Friday, July 5.

Each team will have 10 minutes to deal with the scenarios and will receive a score at the end of each one.

Prizes will be handed out at the end of each morning and afternoon sessions and an award will be handed to the overall winner at the end of the week.

Anyone who wants more information about the event can contact Amy Smith on 01562 732975.