THE SEVENTEENTH 'Safety in the Park' once again proved as popular as ever.

Pupils from Neilston, Springhill and Auchenback, St Mark's and St Thomas' primary schools were the among the first to take part in this year's event.

Held at Arthurlie House in Barrhead, the Magic Wand Community Health and Safety-run project will educate close to 1,300 youngsters from East Renfrewshire 22 Primary 7 classes over a two-week period.

The 'Safety in the Park' opening day on August 18 gave participating children the chance to take on board a variety of crucial health and safety tips.

A number of organisations were in attendance at the experiential, first-hand learning initiative to provide pupils with vital information.

Police Scotland officers and members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were joined by community wardens, East Renfrewshire Libraries staff and Prevention Services employees from the local authority's Environment department.

Numerous important topics were covered as kids were warned of the risks which come with alcohol, talking to strangers and drinking sugary drinks through various interactive activities.

Magic Wand volunteers and community wardens dished out vital accident emergency and road and internet safety pointers, while a civil contingencies workshop also passed on useful information.

Rena McGuire, Magic Wand member and 'Safety in the Park' organiser, has helped run the event since its inception in 1999 and said: "The main purpose is keeping children safe. Children learn by doing and that's where it started off.

"The event started through the Magic Wand Community Health and Safety project and in 2008 the decision was made to second staff into the council and it was kept as a voluntary organisation.

"It went really well. The new MSP was there as well, Tom Arthur."

Rena reserved special praise for all those individuals and organisations responsible for ensuring the opening day of the event ran smoothly.

She said: "The event wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the agencies, the commitment of volunteers and the funding we received from the Education department of the council. It goes like a dream."