TEENAGE school pupils are set to take part in a groundbreaking fire safety course launched next week.

Youngsters will be able to combine aspects of the National Curriculum with hints on fire safety in a scheme which is targeting secondary schools for the first time.

It forms the third part of Greater Manchester Fire Brigade's Learn Not To Burn campaign. The first two sections were aimed at primary school children.

And a Bolton school will provide the launch pad for the scheme in this area when fire chiefs gather at Withins High, Breightmet, on January 21.

Michael Wright, head of personal and social education at the Newby Road school, said the package would complement safety lessons already being taught.

He added: "We already teach children about safety involving water, electricity and fireworks but this package will fill in a gap.

"It's an excellent pack which will be of real advantage to staff who constantly look for new resources to provide for children."

And fire brigade staff claim the safety pack will be a boon for teachers who will be able to use it in conjunction with lessons such as maths and science.

The campaign, aimed at 11 to 14-year-olds, will use loose leaf information sheets to educate pupils on the dangers of fire, from home escapes to hoax calls.

Community fire safety officer Brian Wiggans said: "With school time being such a premium it's difficult to speak to pupils but this will give us the opportunity to get the safety message across.This is very much about treating these pupils as young adults, not children, and showing them they have responsibilities."

A free copy of the package, originally developed by London Fire Brigade, will be provided to every Bolton secondary school within 12 weeks.

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