IT HAS been a week of fun for hundreds - but behind the smiles there was a serious message.

Pupils from 12 Fareham schools have descended on Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill for Junior Citizen Week.

Focusing on Year 6 pupils, aged 10 and 11, the main aim of the event is to promote child safety within the community and more than 600 youngsters are expected to participate by the end of the week.

They learned more about fire safety, personal safety, the rules of the road, first aid, recycling, how to keep fit and healthy, and much more.

The activities were led by professionals from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, the county council, Coastguard, Hampshire Ambulance Service and Fareham Leisure Centre.