GUEST COLUMN: Top tips to keep kids safe this Christmas, by Chris Kenny, director of public health for Nottinghamshire

At home, on the road, at school – children are always at risk of harm from accidents.

Accidental injury is one of the biggest killers of children in the UK. It is second only to cancer.

Childhood accidents cost the NHS over £275 m a year. Children who survive serious accidents are often left with long term physical and emotional problems.

However, I am not suggesting we wrap children in cotton wool. Scrapes and bruises are part of growing up. But I don’t think children should die, or be disabled or disfigured, in accidents that can be prevented. In order to keep safe over the festive period I would encourage everyone to think safe with the following tips: