Police, firefighters, a life boat charity and electrical workers taught children how to stay safe.

Pupils aged 10 and 11 from three schools in Bushey and Elstree took part in Crucial Crew, a social enterprise that educates children on topics ranging from the effects of anti-social behaviour to dangers on the railway.

Borehamwood & Elstree and Bushey & Radlett neighbourhood teams worked with Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue, the Samaritans, RNLI and UK Power Networks to launch the scheme at Reveley Lodge in Bushey at the end of April.

Crucial Crew has been piloted across the county and PCSO Callum Ellis, of Bushey & Radlett Safer Neighbourhood Team wanted Hertsmere pupils to benefit.

Mr Ellis said: “It is extremely valuable for young students in our community and it provides them with the opportunity to learn personal safety skills in a fun way.”

He added: “The children got really involved in the scenarios and wanted to do it all again.”

The sentiment was echoed by Cllr Brenda Batten, who is responsible for leisure, culture and health.

She said: “The Crucial Crew is a fabulous initiative that enables young people to experience and participate in a range of realistic situations that could be dangerous or which simulate crimes.

“Young people learn best by being actively involved and this is a great way for them to learn essential life skills in a safe, challenging and exciting environment.”

She added: “The Crucial Crew scenarios challenge the young people to deal with potentially dangerous situations, show them how they can make a contribution towards crime prevention, as well as understand the role of the emergency services.”