CHILDREN in Redbridge are to be targeted by a new scheme aimed at helping them to become “good citizens”.

About 2,000 Year Six pupils from across the borough will be taught skills by Redbridge Police and other emergency services in a bid to help them deal with everyday dangers.

The scheme is also aimed at keeping children away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Every primary school in the borough will be involved in the Redbridge Junior Citizens scheme, which will see children given practical scenarios involving simulated danger.

They will be assessed on how they deal with it and will be given advice on how to protect themselves.

Scenarios include chip pan fire demonstrations from fire fighters, and first aid tips will be given by ambulance workers.

There will also be advice from the education welfare service to help children make the transition to secondary school.

Police will speak on “stranger danger” and mobile phone thefts, while the council’s youth crime prevention service will look at the consequences of shoplifting.

The scheme will take place across four weeks in March and during the summer at Hargreaves Scout Centre, Chadwell Heath.

It is aimed at helping children to deal with real life experiences and give them the relevant skills to help them as they grow up.