VALUABLE lessons about the dangers of building sites have been taught to children in Middlewich.

More than 150 pupils from Middlewich Primary School also caught a glimpse of the future when they toured the construction site for a new extra care village, on East Road.

The development will be made up of more than 70 apartments for the over 60s and its facilities, including a gym, library and village hall, will also be open to the wider community.

Martin Smout, chairman of GB Building Solutions, which is working for Advantage, the group chosen by Cheshire County Council to build and operate the Willowmere development, said: "It's vitally important for us to be involved in the local community and contribute where we can.

"This visit to Willowmere has been a great opportunity for the children to understand more about the construction industry and about a building project which is on their doorstep.

"I hope that what they have learned from the visits will discourage them from using building sites as a playground."

PCSO Roger Need, from Middlewich CAT team, is also warning children to be careful in the summer holidays.

"Children need to use common sense anywhere near water or on building sites," he said.

"If they think there might be danger there, there will be danger there so steer well clear."

The youngsters, clad in hard hats and high visibility vests, were shown around by site manager Frank Newby and project manager Keith Huntington.

Headteacher Sandie La Porta said: "The children are currently learning about structures and levers in class and the tour of the site has really helped them to see how buildings are actually constructed, and how levers can help to operate machinery such as the crane.

"It was a real eye opener for some of them - it's important for them to understand why they are learning subjects such as maths, science and IT, and that they understand how these apply in real life situations."