Creating young citizens

Among the 10 different tests, the students braved fire hazards and a mock road accident as they proved themselves to be responsible citizens.

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

There was also time for fun, as students visited a simulated disco where they learnt personal safety lessons.

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

Safety education advisor Fatima Ahmed said that 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 prepared a room where children identified fire hazards, including electrical items and candles.

Feltham Station Commander Keith Willoughby said he hoped 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 involved 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.