A MOTHER whose young son died in a tragic accident playing on huge sand piles has welcomed a campaign to warn of the dangers of industrial sites.

Jon-Paul Young died in June 2000, aged 14. He was engulfed while playing on a store of sand at the Newport premises of the South Wales Sand & Gravel Company.

His mum, Anna Young, (pictured) of Elgar Avenue, Alway, said: "Jon-Paul was a smashing boy, a lovely character. He had a great sense of humour and we'll never forget him.

"Industrial sites are dangerous, parents and kids should be told. After what happened to my son I always go with my children when they play.

"It's a good idea to publicise the dangers now, as it's nearly the holidays and you get a lot of kids looking for adventure.

"There are lots of quarries and factories around and children think they are good places to play.

"My advice is to keep a close eye on your children and warn them to keep away from places like quarries, as they can be deadly playgrounds."

Kevin Seaman, a spokesman for QPA, said: "The mix of sand, water and machinery makes wharves and quarries a magnet for children looking for adventure through their summer holidays. But their fun can all too easily lead to tragedy.

"Marine aggregate operators have joined forces with quarrying counterparts, the emergency services and leading safety charities in South Wales to urge children to stay away for their own safety.

"With the summer holidays approaching, we know children will be out looking for places to play so we need to get this message across. There are hidden dangers in wharves, stockpiles and other industrial sites.

"Children are dicing with death if they swim in the deep waters around wharf jetties, burrow into huge sand piles or play on heavy machinery.

"As part of the campaign, our managers have been visiting schools to explain the dangers. Class visits have also been arranged so that children can learn about industry in a safe way."