Almost 1,200 Primary six pupils from across East Ayrshire became ‘danger detectives’ at a special learning event that focused on personal safety.

The young people learned about the role of the emergency services, how to react to dangerous situations, and how to be aware of, and protect, vulnerable people in their communities.

Over seven days, pupils took part in a range of fun, interactive workshops including community safety/anti-social behaviour, home fire safety, road safety, water safety and countryside safety.

Cumnock Chronicle: Danger detectives river safetyDanger detectives river safety (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

The workshops gave all the agencies the opportunity to speak to the young people and highlight issues and dangers they might face on a daily basis.

Councillor Jim McMahon, cabinet spokesperson for housing, welfare and poverty, social care, and mental wellbeing, was delighted that the youngsters got the learning experience.

He said: “Danger Detectives is a fantastic idea as it teaches young people, in practical and memorable ways, about the many dangers which might exist in all sorts of situations.

"Our young people are now armed with knowledge and have the confidence to protect themselves, and their friends, from potentially dangerous situations.”

Cumnock Chronicle: Danger detectives anti-social behaviourDanger detectives anti-social behaviour (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Councillor Neal Ingram, cabinet spokesperson for community safety, roads and transportation, added: “Thanks go to all of our partners for taking the time to work with our young people throughout the week, and to our teachers, support staff and especially our young people who took part enthusiastically in every session.”

This multi-agency partnership initiative is led by the Play and Early Intervention team of Vibrant Communities, supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, EAC Trading Standards, Dean Castle Country Park Ranger Service and EAC Health & Safety.