AS Manchester City and England goalkeeper my job is all about making great saves. But even I can't save children if they take unnecessary risks.

That's why I am appealing to all your young readers to stay out of quarries in the summer.

They may seem like fun places, but they can be dangerous to people who haven't been trained to watch out for all the potential hazards.

The lakes look great places for a swim on a hot day, but hidden currents and submerged items can drag you under the water in seconds.

Piles of sand have been known to collapse and suffocate the unsuspecting and rocks and boulders may fall off the cliff face and cause a nasty injury.

I am lucky enough to have made many saves in my career but there are some occasions when I just don't have a chance. I don't want children to be left helpless because they are injured and there are no adults around to come to their rescue.

So I hope this letter will encourage parents to find a safe place for their children to play during the summer months, such as a swimming pool, adventure playground or Football in the Community scheme.

As the Quarry Products Association says in its annual campaign, please "Play Safe, Stay Safe." That way you will still be able to cheer your favourite team on next season.

DAVID JAMES, Manchester City and England.