ALMOST 2,000 school children from East Lancashire were taught how to wise up' at the launch of an annual safety event.

As part of the Streetwise campaign, launched at Ewood Park, pupils from across Blackburn and Darwen were taught how to rescue someone from water, identify risk of fire and stay safe when they are surfing the internet or on the streets.

The scheme is in its fifteenth year.

Inspector Paul Goodall, hailed the campaign's continuing success. He said: "Streetwise is aimed at children about to start secondary school, when they will be given much more independence and take more responsibility for their own safety."

"The safety and wellbeing of children is so important and Streetwise is a great way to impact on the behaviour and actions of young people at a time when they are about to embark on the next stage in their lives."

Streetwise is a joint venture between organisations including, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Virgin Trains, school nurses from Primary Care Trust and the Safer Travel Unit.