PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed new figures that the number of accidents on farms involving children are falling, but stressed extra vigilance is needed to maintain the trend.

The Labour backbencher said: "The number of reported injuries to children involving tractors and farm machinery are falling. In 2002-03 there was one reported fatality of a 12-year-old boy and in 2003-04, two children were run over and killed by farm vehicles.

"However, despite this drop in numbers, vigilance is needed to make sure they do not begin to rise."