A building company has headed back to the classroom to teach an important health and safety to children.

St James’ Lower Darwen Church of England Primary School invited Countryside to present two interactive assemblies, as part of the housebuilder’s community safety initiative.

Countryside’s Operational Safety Inspector, Antony Hayes, explained the importance of staying safe near building sites to the key stage one and key stage two children.

The informative presentation highlighted the potential hazards found on and around construction sites, as well as how construction workers protect themselves while building new homes.

The visit took place as the doors opened to the new showhomes at Countryside’s Brookfield Vale development on Roman Road.

Headteacher Dan Theobalds said: “It was a great opportunity for the children in school to be made aware of the dangers surrounding building sites, especially as there are now lots around the local area.

“The whole school took part in the two assemblies and interacted with the different dangers that can be found on and around building sites.”

Managing director for the Merseyside and Cheshire Countryside, Mark Hadfield, said: “Working with the local communities where we build is a key part of what we do and ensuring the safety of residents and children is of the utmost importance.

“With the Christmas holidays approaching, we know children will be playing out or walking by the site even more, so we were pleased to visit St James’ before term ends and speak to them about staying safe.

“Thank you to the whole school for welcoming us; it was great to be able to speak to the children in both key stage 1 and 2 to make them aware of potential hazards. We look forward to continuing to work with the school as Brookfield Vale starts to take shape.”