OVER 1,500 students will learn valuable safety lessons this month as they come up against a series of dangerous' mock scenarios.

The 2004 Hounslow Junior Citizens Scheme, to be staged at the Feltham Fire Station between March 8-19, will test students in 10 different scenarios.

Among the tests, they will brave fire hazards and a mock road accident as they prove themselves to be responsible citizens.

A mock London Underground station will teach students about rail safety and how to respond to suspect parcels, while other displays will focus on river and building-site safety.

There will also be time for fun, as students visit a simulated disco where they will learn personal safety lessons.

In a road crash scenario involving a car and a cyclist, organised by Hounslow Council's safety education team, students will play accident investigators and identify factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Safety education advisor Fatima Ahmed said road crashes were nearly always caused by human error.

"It is vital that children learn about road safety from an early age and this accident scenario leads to discussion on road rules to educate children about potential dangers on our roads," she said.

Meanwhile, fire officers have prepared a room where children will identify fire hazards, including electrical items and candles.

Feltham Station Commander Keith Willoughby said it was hoped that the event would help to reduce fire-related deaths, injuries and damage to property across the borough.

"The whole event is aimed at making Hounslow a safer borough," he said.

"By taking the children through the scenarios in small groups, the lessons are very effective. The students get a lot out of it."

Led by the Metropolitan Police, the multi-agency event will involve Year Six students from 24 schools across the borough. An additional event is expected to be held later this year due to high demand.

Hounslow police borough liaison officer Chief Inspector Wynne Jones said the scenarios made children more aware of the dangers around them and taught them to cope with dangerous situations through practical experience.

"It is a fun day out for the students, but there is a very serious message behind it," he added.