HUNDREDS of schoolchildren in Runcorn and Widnes are being taught important messages and life skills as part of an programme to prepare them for adult life.

Pupils from more than 40 schools will also receive advice on health and safety from the Crucial Crew.

The campaign - which runs until tomorrow - will see 1,400 15- and 16-year-olds attending the event organised by Halton Council's Road Safety Team at the Halton Stadium.

The event, which has been sponsored by the Youth issues Task Group on behalf of the Halton Community Safety Part-nership, features a series of rooms that the pupils will visit and learn how to spot scenarios or incidents that could be potentially hazardous.

Halton's Mayor, Cllr Pat Tyrrell, also attended the event to meet children taking part.

The Crucial Crew is made up of organisations throughout Halton and Cheshire, including Halton Borough Council's parks and countryside rangers, environmental health, health and safety, road safety and community safety departments as well as Cheshire Fire Service, Halton Primary Care Trust, Kelden Training, Network Rail, Rocksavage, Scottish Power, Arch Initiatives and Arriva.

Cllr Alan Massey, Halton executive board member for education, said: 'The Crucial Crew event has always been very popular in Halton and we are pleased that so many organ-isations are willing to teach skills that help youngsters to keep themselves and others safe.

'Although we hope these pupils never have to put into practice what they learn, it is reassuring to know that they have been taught what to do in a dangerous situation.'