More than 630 children from 18 primary schools were involved in free, interactive workshops on topics such as the consequences of anti-social behaviour, the dangers of alcohol, fire safety and the environment.

The classes at Worden Arts Centre, were delivered by experts from South Ribble Borough Council and some of its partners including Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, New Progress Housing and Lancashire County Council.

The initiative, called Project Icarus, is aimed at year six children who will be moving up to secondary school in September.

Councillor David Suthers, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure and cultural services, said: "Project Icarus is one of a range of ways that the council with its partners is trying to encourage responsible behaviour among young people in the borough and promote what it means to be a good citizen."

Each session saw youngsters separate into small groups to take part in interactive workshops that explore issues around litter, graffiti, vandalism, alcohol, tobacco, laws, the consequences of anti-social behaviour, fire safety and railway safety.

Now in its 13th year, Project Icarus is named after the Greek myth of a young boy who ignored his father's advice, flew too close to the sun and perished.

More than 10,000 pupils have completed the programme since it started in 1996 and several different organisations have taken part.

It is funded and operated by South Ribble Borough Council. The sessions are designed to tie in with the National Curriculum Citizenship framework. Following each session, teachers are encouraged to take away information to use in follow-up work that will reinforce messages covered as part of the programme.