A FAMILY friendly event using fun activities to promote the very serious message of child safety has been held in Keighley.

It formed part of Child Safety Week, which is a national community education campaign organised by the Child Accident Prevent Trust.

Activities were staged in a corner of Victoria Park and were led by Sure Start Keighley, Airedale and Wharfedale Children's Centres.

Wendy Ley, early learning lead at Keighley Children's Centres, said: "It's all about making people aware of every aspect of safety for children under the age of five.

"We've got the fire engine and ambulance here this time – they weren't able to come last year – and we have children from Eastwood Primary School visiting us."

She and Julie Greene, early childhood services manager for all children's centres in Keighley, said they wanted all families with youngsters under five to know about the home safety checks on offer to help ensure local homes do not contain any potential threats to children.

Families interested in having their homes checked can call 01535 618005 or 01535 605272 to arrange a visit.

Ms Greene said: "We'd like families to be aware of hidden dangers, things that they might not even have thought of before such as chemical washing tablets or hair straightening irons which can cause really nasty burns.

"We can also make sure homes have working fire alarms fitted free of charge by referring them to the fire service."

Michael James, the strategic director of Bradford Council's children's services, said: "Everyone has a responsibility for child safety.

"Child Safety Week is an excellent initiative which provides practical advice and guidance on how we can all ensure the safety of our young people."