CHILDREN who regard quarries as an adventure playground are being warned to stay away because they are putting their lives at risk.

Members of the quarrying industry are worried that as the school holidays are around the corner, youngsters will use Portland's various sites as somewhere to while away the hours.

The Quarry Products Association (QPA) warn that quarries are no place to play and have launched a campaign, called 'Play Safe, Stay Safe', to get their message across.

They say quarries firms throughout Dorset will be issuing wallcharts to local schools and offering them class visits to show pupils the various dangers that lie in quarries.

Elizabeth Clements, of the QPA, said: "It is a problem that worries quarry managers right across the country. Over recent years a number of children have been injured while playing in quarries and some have died."

She said that one of the most worrying problems involve children who take bikes and motorbikes into the sites, which they then use as a racetrack.

She added: "A quarry is a safe environment when you work there because you are properly trained and have all the right safety gear. But anyone going in with their jeans and trainers and with no understanding of the hazards is putting themselves at real risk."

The campaign is being backed by the emergency services and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Di Standley, chief executive of RoSPA, said: "Research reveals that children are attracted to places and activities that are both adventurous and risky. Tragically every year children die from dire miscalculations about the risks they put themselves in and their ability to deal with the outcomes."

The QPA added that parents have a key role to play in educating their children about the dangers of quarries.

"They need to know where their children are playing, and perhaps they need to investigate the many safe places to play that are available," added Ms Clements.