Ref. 30795-10SWINDON youngsters will know just what to do in an emergency, thanks to a community safety scheme.

Over the next two weeks, 1,052 Year 6 pupils from schools across Swindon and the surrounding area will take part in a fun day with a serious message at the Science Museum in Wroughton.

Yesterday was the turn of Westrop and Bishopstone primary schools.

And, according to PC Robin Stannard, the organiser of the Wiltshire Junior Good Citizens Scheme, some valuable lessons need to be learned.

He said: "The children were presented with eight scenarios and we watched closely to see how they reacted.

"We want to give these young people the tools to avoid situations. But if something does happen, we want them to be able to get themselves out safely."

Each scenario was designed to be as realistic as possible and was acted out by trained staff from the three emergency services.

One of the situations was a house fire. A man leaps out, struggling for breath and the children are forced to make snap decisions.

"If children can see what they are supposed to be learning they are more likely to remember it," said PC Stannard.

For the first time, this year children will pick up tips on how not to get ripped off by unscrupulous traders. The Grot Shop set up by Swindon Council's trading standards department tells youngsters what to look out for.