THE fire brigade's top brass was out in force to launch a pioneering safety scheme at a Bolton school.

Pupils and teachers from Withins High, Breightmet, were joined by fire chiefs and local councillors as their Learn Not To Burn campaign was officially opened.

It is the first school in the town to be targeted in a scheme which will introduce fire safety tips into national curriculum lessons.

The special pack of loose leaf sheets, initially developed in the USA and then introduced in and around London, will be aimed at 11 to 14-year-olds.

The safety pack, which can be used in conjunction with lessons including maths and English, was given the thumbs up by everyone involved in the launch.

Groundbreaking

Michael Wright, head of personal and social education at the Newby Road school, said: "As well as handing over the package to us today, fire brigade staff will also be visiting the school to give a number of talks on fire safety.

"It will be a case of building on the package, year on year, so that the message is carried through the pupils' schooling."

And the new groundbreaking safety scheme was also welcomed by pupil Stuart Molyneux, 13, who said: "It warns us about how dangerous fire is. I hope it will stop people from burning down buildings."

Bolton and Wigan Fire Brigade's divisional commander Rob Menhinick also visited the school to see the launch

He said: "This will be a part of normal lessons and it's an excellent way of getting the safety message into schools."

The latest safety campaign launch comes on the back of recent schemes aimed at warning primary school children of the dangers of fire.

A free copy of the package will shortly be given to every secondary school in Bolton.

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