UP to 100 children from Bolton have taken part in a safety programme aimed at reducing the number of fire-related incidents.

The Fire Awareness Child Education scheme was introduced in 1998 by fire chiefs, and is aimed at three to 11-year-olds who have caused a fire in the home.

Firefighters work alongside parents to educate their children about the dangers of playing with fire, using videos and books to illustrate their point.

The course takes from two to six months to complete, and 1,400 children across Greater Manchester have already taken part in the FACE scheme.

A nine-year-old boy from Hillside Avenue, New Bury, was due to take part in the scheme after he set fire to curtains in an upstairs bedroom using a lighter.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "The course has received positive feedback from youngsters who have been on the FACE course. It is aimed at children who have a dangerous affinity with fire.

"We work on a one-to-one basis with the child and talk to them about why they have played with fire, and the dangers of doing so. The child then works through a course book with their parents."