YOUNGSTERS will learn how to escape from a smoke-filled room under a new scheme to drive down accidents.

School children aged 10 and 11 from Blackburn, Darwen and the Ribble Valley are being given lessons in how to deal with emergencies on the police-led course, Streetwise in Partnership.

Over the next three weeks 1,800 children will pass through Oswaldtwistle's Hope Community Centre. They will learn how to play safely at home or outside, especially near roads and waterways, and what to do in emergencies.

Blackburn PCs John Chapman and Vanessa Rushton said the aim was to give children an insight into the many dangers they may face on a daily basis.

Youngsters will be taught about the dangers of canals and rivers, plus electrical, fire, road and personal safety, poisons and first aid. Sessions will include escaping from a smoke-filled room.

PC Chapman said: "Children need to be encouraged to develop their decision-making and problem-solving skills from an early age. Streetwise aims to increase their self-confidence and allow them to take responsibility, particularly for safety."

The first session started yesterday with children from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC Infant School, in Blackburn.

Head teacher Kathleen Downham said: "It is very good at showing the children lots of different skills and activities, and preparing them for real situations. The smoke filled room shows them what it's like to be in that environment and how to escape safely. They really enjoy it but it makes them think."