PUPILS at more than 550 schools across the region have learned about child safety from the NSPCC in the past year.

Volunteers from the charity visited 553 primary schools and addressed nearly 119,000 students in Yorkshire and Humber.

The NSPCC revealed the figure as it prepared to take its Speak Out and Stay Safe initiative to more schools at the start of the new academic year.

The charity runs assemblies and workshops to teach children how to keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect.

Nick Hanslip, the NSPCC's school service manager, said: "We are so pleased to have reached the numbers of children we have – it is important that we should not leave vital lessons about abuse or relationships to playground hearsay.

"As the new school year gets underway we look forward to visiting more pupils, with our fun mascot Buddy, ensuring all our children know when to speak out and how to stay safe."

Mr Hanslip praises the team of volunteers.

"It is hugely important to make sure the next generation is given the tools it needs to help protect itself against abuse, cruelty and neglect – but the NSPCC wouldn't be able to do this without the work of its incredible volunteers," he added.

"The difference they have made to children's lives is huge and I look forward to working with them in the new school year."

For more details about the scheme and to request a visit, go to nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/working-with-schools/contact-childline-schools-service.