A project called Crucial Crew drew over 1,000 children from primary schools across the district to workshops on life’s hazards.

Over five days, with children from different schools each day, there were seven workshops on different dangers. Sixth-formers from Saffron Walden High School volunteered to help the younger children though the week.

The sessions, at St Mark’s College in Saffron Walden, opened the youngsters’ eyes to road safety, drugs and alcohol, internet safety, first aid, mental health and the law relating to the age of criminal responsibility.

The children worked through a range of scenarios including finding a cyclist lying on the road who needed emergency help. The Police Road Safety Team got the children to drop eggs onto the floor and see the difference between what happened to the eggs with little cyclists’ helmets on and those dropped bare headed. They also went through a shoplifting scene.

This is the 20th year of Crucial Crew, organised by the Uttlesford Community Safety Partnership for pupils in year six.

The council’s community safety officer Martin Ford, who co-ordinated the event, said: “At 10 and 11 years old, these children are at a vital stage in their education as they make the transition from primary to secondary school. Through the scheme we are able to deliver clear, concise messages on personal safety, making the right choices and taking responsibility for their own actions.

“The sessions are designed to be informative, fun and interactive. This year was one of the best yet.”