PUPILS started the new term with a lesson on the importance of staying safe near a building site following a health and safety assembly with local contractor Wates Construction.

Pupils from Witton Church Walk C of E Primary School were visited by Wates and construction mascot, Ivor Goodsite, who taught the children about the dangers of playing near a construction site and showed them how to dress to avoid injury.

The visit forms part of Wates’ role as main contractor for the new leisure development at Northwich Memorial Court.

Mark McCall, project manager, Wates Construction, said: “Building sites can look like ready-made playgrounds for children, and as a responsible contractor we’re always very keen to work with neighbouring schools to help keep students safe.

“It’s vital to draw attention to the risks and dangers on a site but it’s great to do in a fun and engaging way, and I think the pupils really enjoyed the visit from Ivor Goodsite.”

Tracy Parr, deputy head teacher at Witton Church Walk Primary, said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit from Ivor Goodsite. Many of them were inspired to go away and further develop their knowledge.

“Early years went straight off to build their own construction site for their role-play area, which they have really enjoyed playing in. Wates made the assembly fun and exciting for the children.”