Firefighters from Allerdale are to swap breathing apparatus for books as part of a reading scheme which will seem them they pair-up with local primary school pupils.
Over the next few weeks, members of Workington’s Blue Watch will be squeezing behind school desks to give a helping hand to junior bookworms at Harrington’s Beckstone Primary School.
Firefighters are seen as positive role models and the scheme has been set up by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to help crews forge closer links young people in Allerdale.
As well getting a helping hand from their new classmates, pupils at the Harrington school will get lessons on the dangers of fire-setting and the importance of staying out of trouble.
The scheme, which gets underway on 14 January, finishes on 7 February with a special chance for children to visit Workington fire station and look around some of the station’s fire and rescue vehicles.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service community safety officer, Susan Denyer said: "This is a great way to help children with their reading and get across messages on the consequences of fire-setting and neglecting fire safety."
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Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
For more information and to arrange print and broadcast media opportunities during the scheme, contact Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service's community safety coordinator Susan Denyer on 01900-609526.