FIREMEN at Leigh Fire Station were busy rescuing victims from crashed cars on Friday.

As part of a campaign to highlight the consequences of driving dangerously they carried out rescue operations watched by year 11 students from Bedford High.

National Road Safety Week 2005 is co-ordinated by Brake, the road safety charity, and supported by Direct Line and Green Flag Motoring Assistance.

Across Greater Manchester, 1042 people were killed and seriously injured in 2004.

Sheryl Chadwick of Stephensons Solicitors took part by playing the role of a road crash casualty.

She will be raising money for Brake's work to stop death and injury on our roads and to care for people bereaved or injured by a road crash.

Sheryl said: "As the manager of Stephensons' busy road traffic accident team, I see on a daily basis the devastating effects that road collisions have, not only on those directly involved, but also their families and friends. It is vital to educate our future drivers and I hope this exercise will give them food for thought whilst also raising vital funds for Brake."

Watch Manager Larry Green was particularly keen to get involved with Road Safety Week as he has seen first hand the devastating effects that road crashes have on young people.

He said: "I am delighted to be taking part. I hope that by running this exercise, the youngsters watching will realise the horrific consequences of driving dangerously and will make sure they always driver safely."

Alexis Cahill, a science teacher at Bedford High School explained: "Road Safety is a real concern for teachers and parents alike, particularly as many of the youngsters who attend the school are approaching driving age.

"We hope this exercise will demonstrate the need to drive safely and will keep our youngsters safe on the roads."