BLACKROD-based Allen plc is to introduce a major "Safety First" campaign aimed at children.

The growing building company, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is keen to highlight the dangers youngsters face if they stray on to construction sites.

In recent years 10 UK children have died and a further 230 have suffered serious injuries as a result of accidents.

Child Safety Week, which starts on Monday, sees the launch of the nationwide campaign.

There was a local preview this week for some of the children at Blackrod County Primary School, not far from Allen's headquarters in Chorley Road.

The Safety First campaign is intended to teach a valuable lesson in a fun-packed and informative way.

Presentations by company representatives at schools close to the company's construction sites will be supported by interactive games and materials produced by Wigan and Leigh College.

Mr Richard Bell, Allen's Health and Safety Adviser said: "In each region Allen companies will hand out Safety First information and activity packs produced especially for the campaign.

"When children have completed the activities, they will be presented with a certificate to remind them of the lesson they have learned. Safety First reinforces our commitment to make children aware of the dangers they would encounter on a building site and to educate them never to enter a site."

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