A scheme called Smartrisk Heroes has been implemented in schools by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

It is not designed to tell pupils not to do something that might be risky, but instead uses Smartrisk Heroes to advise them how to do things safely.

The Heroes programme is a 50-minute interactive show aimed at young people and includes at least one 'hero' telling the audience their story in person, and answering questions.

The 'heroes' are young people who took a risk and have ended up with a disability as a result.

Mike Buckley, one of the heroes, gives an honest and detailed look on a decision he took nearly ten years ago which changed his life forever.

After drinking vodka with friends on the banks of the River Thames Mike decided to show off to his friends and dived head first into the water.

He didn't look before he jumped and dived into only one metre of water from a height of six metres.

He broke his neck, fractured his skull and will live with a disability for the rest of his life.

Youngsters watching the presentation sat in awe as he spoke of the day in 1998, and how after that day, he was like a 21-year-old baby, learning how to walk, get dressed and live a life independently.

Mike speaks openly about his life, and gives pupils and teachers the chance to ask questions about how he has dealt with the disability, and what he misses from his life before the accident.

He said: "I was quite a sporty person before the accident and miss being involved in that.

"I have a disability and will have it for the rest of my life.

"I miss just being able to walk properly and I will never play football again.

"I go and watch my friends play football and I am gutted I am not on the pitch with them."

The presentation is not intended to shock but to send an important message to youngsters about how to take risks safely.

John Allison, group manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We know that some people, especially young people, do not respond to being told not to do something, in some cases they may well actually do the opposite.

"So it is important that we accept that children and young people do take risks and that our prevention and education work helps them to make their decisions safely.

"Accidents are understandable, predictable and preventable.

"We want Tyne and Wear to be the safest community in the UK and we think using Smartrisk is the smart approach to take."

The schools and colleges involved are Burnside Business and Enterprise College, Norham Technology College, Monkseaton High School, and Churchill Community College.

Graham Netherton, assistant headteacher at Burnside Business and Enterprise College, said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this excellent scheme.

"We believe it is important that we educate our young people early on how to stay safe.