MORE than 500 Stockton schoolchildren learned lessons that could keep them safe from the perils of alcohol and anti-social behaviour in the years ahead.

The event at Hardwick Community Centre was organised by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Lee Butterworth and Ryan Davey and also involved firefighters, Stockton Council workers and staff from community agencies.

In one game the children played Skalextric while wearing beer glasses to show the effects of alcohol.

The pupils from 12 primary schools also learned how detectives gather evidence and about how to avoid falling into various anti-social behaviour traps over a three-day event.

PCSO Butterworth said: “These youngsters are our town’s future and if we can help them to understand the consequences of negative behaviour and how to keep themselves safe then it will stay with them as they grow through their teenage years.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, said: “This event showed the excellent work of neighbourhood teams who are thinking outside the box to engage with local young people. I was extremely happy to support the event and speak to the youngsters involved.”