Stranger danger' and 'Dr ABC' are catchphrases being learned by nearly 700 children on an action-packed course away from the classroom.

The terms are memory-joggers that could prove critical in the future when the pupils face challenging situations.

The children, from west Oxfordshire primary schools, are taking part in a programme organised by the emergency services.

They are being instructed what to do when faced with road accidents, outbreaks of fire, suspicious packages and electric shock.

"It was really good fun," said Thomas Pote, ten, one of 23 boys and girls from Stonesfield School who spent a day at the Heyford Park centre this week.

"We had to go into a room and spot all the dangers lying around, like frayed electric cables and aerosol cans left on a heater.

"Then there was this episode with kidnappers who were trying to tempt us to get into a car with sweets."

Dr ABC illustrates what checks to make and action to take when someone has had an accident - Danger, Response, Airways, Breathing, Circulation.

The simulation exercises have all been devised for children aged nine to eleven and are being laid on at the former Upper Heyford air base, from October 1 to 12. The scheme's co-ordinator, WPc Cheryl Wadsworth, said: "Children of this age readily pick up information which stays with them for life.

"They will learn how to deal with a series of difficult situations, how to help themselves and others. This will equip them for real-life emergencies in the future."

Thames Valley Police and other emergency services have teamed up to provide the fortnight of action-packed events.

Stonesfield School headteacher Bridget Knight said the experience was invaluable for pupils.

"Citizenship is now part of their National Curriculum work and this is very good practical experience for them. It shows them the responsibilities they may have to call on in the future," she said.

West Oxfordshire schools taking part are: St Mary's and Holy Trinity in Chipping Norton; St Joseph's and Edith Moorhouse in Carterton; Great Tew, Middle Barton, Great Rollright, Hanborough, Wychwood, Combe, Burford, Woodstock, Stonesfield, Aston and Cote, Minster Lovell, Ducklington; and Tower Hill, Witney Community, Blake CofE and Queen's Dyke in Witney.