WELSH rugby stars took time out from the pitch with helping the NSPCC Cymru/Wales keep children safe.

Players, including Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens, Gareth Davies, turned out at the Vale Resort, in Hensol, with NSPCC volunteers to deliver a talk at an assembly for pupils from Ysgol Pen-y-Garth.

The talk - called Speak Out Stay Safe - informed children about abuse and how to stay safe from it.

In the week of the Six Nations clash with England the squad helped deliver the assembly through the medium of the Welsh language.

Des Mannion, of NSPCC Cymru/ Wales said: "During an important week for the Wales players and staff it extremely heartening to see them take the time to speak directly to children about how to stay safe from abuse.

"Our assemblies ensure that primary schoolchildren are given essential safety information in a memorable way and receiving those messages directly from their heroes in the Wales team can only help the children of Ysgol Pen-y-Garth remember the importance of what they’ve been told.

"By ensuring children learn in an informal and interactive environment, we’re giving them the tools they need to protect themselves. We’ve reached tens of thousands of children across Wales and we are seeking volunteers to help us provide this vital information to many more."

Mrs Iona Edwards, head teacher of Ysgol Pen Y Garth, said: “We are delighted to have had this opportunity for our children to hear the vitally important messages of the NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe programme with the fantastic support of their idols from the Wales Rugby Union.

"The children absolutely loved it.

"What an excellent service.”

A Welsh Rugby Union spokesman added: “The WRU is proud to assist and support the NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe campaign and to help deliver this important message to children in Wales.

“Having the support of international players hopefully aids the delivering and impact of the sessions and encouraging children to both speak out and stay safe."

For more information on the NSPCC, visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-protection-system/wales/