PRIMARY school children across the Island will be taught about road safety, first aid and safety in the home at the annual Crucial Crew event next week.

Crucial Crew began in 1992 to teach children in year six how to respond to emergency situations including when to dial 999.

Around 800 children will be spoken to by representatives from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, police, St John Ambulance, the Coastguard, Manx Electricity Authority and Manx Gas.

Children will learn about fire safety, hazard identification, basic first aid, road safety and general marine safety through a series of interactive workshops and activities.

Manx Telecom will also be hosting a workshop advising children how they can stay safe online when using social networks and when using their mobile phones. There will also be advice on combating cyber bullying and on how to prevent mobile phones being stolen.

Emma Walker, the Manx Telecom training and development co-ordinator, said: "Crucial Crew provides children with many useful tips and skills to help them stay safe and reinforces lessons they learn at home and in the classroom.

"We are proud to continue Manx Telecom's association with Crucial Crew and use our expertise to give children the information they need to stay safe while using the internet and mobile phones."

The Crucial Crew event takes place at the Isle of Man College from Monday, June 27, to Monday, July 1.