A pioneering drive to protect Bradford youngsters from the dark side of the internet has won Government praise.

Under the new police scheme - the first of its kind in the country - all ten and 11-year-olds throughout the district will be handed a leaflet on "safe surfing" while teachers receive a guide on the potential perils of the web.

The project aims to allay concerns over the vast number of pornography pages on the web as well as the possibility of perverts approaching children through online chat rooms.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hyde, head of the West Yorkshire Police's Training and Development Centre, said the Cyber Space leaflet was written to appeal to primary school children, incorporating simple games and guidelines.

He said: "It provides password tips, information on internet 'netiquette' and a number of quizzes.

"The idea is to encourage children to get the most from the internet, but in a safe environment."

It will be distributed to all Key Stage Two children across Bradford with each school receiving a copy of 'The Parents' Guide to Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace'.

Chief Supt Hyde said: "The police have to try to do as much as possible to steer children away from inappropriate matter and make them less vulnerable.

"The Internet is an easy place to learn and provides people with a mass of information and enjoyment. Protecting children from its rougher edges can be a simple process."

The leaflet has been devised by insurance company Safeco and funded by the retailer Big W, with the help of Heather Croft, business manager at Bradford North Police.

Chief Supt Hyde said the force was "extremely grateful" for their assistance.

Education Minister David Blunkett said he was "very pleased" that "children and their teachers know how to use the Internet in a safe and effective way".

He added: "We take the issue of children's safe use of the Internet very seriously and I am positive that this will be a very successful campaign."