A VIDEO that stars pupils of Forest schools and puts across the message of child safety in rural areas was launched on Monday.
The premiere of the 22-minute video, titled Child Safe, took place at Clearwell School and was attended by Forest MP Diana Organ and Chief Constable Tony Butler of Gloucestershire Police.
The school is one of the key backdrops in the video, which also stars local pupils as well as children from Coalway Junior School and Lakers School.
It has been produced by Coleford and District Crime Prevention Panel and part-funded by a lottery grant.
The video tackles safety issues affecting children in the 7-11 age group, including such topics as dealing with strangers, bullying and drugs.
"Children reaching a stage of independence where they walk or ride to school alone may face certain new experiences which they may not know how to handle," said panel chairman Syd Wheeler.
"This video is full of simple but effective advice presented by children, clearly putting across the point that it is okay to listen to your instincts if you are worried and it is okay to say no.
"Our intention is to get this video seen by as many children as possible – not simply those living in rural Gloucestershire, but right across the country."
Copies are available at £7 – contact PC Bob Lloyd on 01452 335569.