PUPILS from across Gwent were given safety messages as part of campaigns to tackle bullying, drug misuse and the effects of alcohol.

Students from King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny travelled to the Territorial Army barracks in Ty Coch Way, Cwmbran, to learn about safety.

They were given a range of talks from organisations including BulliesOut, who took the children through the bedroom of a 10-year-old girl and the children had to look for evidence that the girl was being bullied.

The school community police officers from Gwent Police showed the film ‘Picture This’ to discuss bullying and the proper use of mobile phones while the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service showed a film about the risks of leaving hair straighteners on a bed when they are hot.

Drugaid spoke of the short and long term effects of alcohol use, while the British Red Cross demonstrated how to help someone at risk.

Western Power warned of the dangers of electricity, the Food Standards Agency talked about food poisoning and Road Safety Wales spoke of the dangers of not wearing seatbelts.

Meanwhile the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston joined pupils from across Caerphilly at the anti-drugs play, Wings to Fly.

The play highlights the dangers and consequences of substance misuse.

Nearly 2,000 school pupils from Caerphilly have watched the play which was performed at Blackwood Miners Institute between March 10 and today.

Mr Johnston said: “Hard-hitting theatre plays such as this one are a very useful resource for warning young people about the dangers and the tragic consequences of substance abuse.

“We want less victims of crime in our communities and productions such as this one can help young people to see the impact of substance abuse for themselves and hopefully help them to make the right decision about drugs or alcohol if or when the time comes.”

It was performed by youth theatre groups from Blackwood and Bedwas to pupils in Gwent.