Bradford school children are to learn the importance of fire safety thanks to a new activity book produced by students at a Brighouse school.

Six former-pupils at Rastrick High School, Brighouse, have designed the book aimed at Year Five pupils, which is being distributed throughout schools in Bradford from today.

The Don't Play with Fire book incorporates English and maths activities to educate children on the dangers of fire and essential safety measures.

The youngsters have even created a special character, Skorch the Dragon, who appears throughout the booklet to deliver key tips on fire safety.

The production design students involved in the book's production were Lori Boulter, Vicky Broadbent, Samantha Price, Robert Hayman, Cherie Townend and Holly Crawford.

The students, who produced the booklet in their own time, have since gone on to study at university.

More than 30,000 copies of the booklet have been produced already and will be sent to all fire stations to hand out during school talks.

The youngsters' teacher, Angela Whitham, said: "We are over the moon with what they have done. They spent a lot of their own time on the project.

"From the school's point of view it is fantastic that something our students has produced is being circulated all over the area.

"I am sure it will really make a difference."

Among the things that Skorch the dragon advises children are to:

lMake a fire escape plan for their home and workplace;

lBe aware of the causes of fire;

lTest smoke alarms weekly.

Schools are being targeted by West Yorkshire fire service to get the message of fire safety across. For the past few years, the service has also been working on a one-to-one basis with youngsters caught playing with fire, with 96 per cent of youngsters involved in the programme ending their fascination with fire after working with fire officials.

Miss Whitham added: "Both I and the children were shocked to learn what a real problem arson is among youngsters and at what a young age it can start"

Peter McCreesh, head of community fire safety, said: "We are extremely pleased with the books.

"When we deliver our year five talks, the children have something they can do in their own time or during school time that supports everything we have said.

"It also helps develop English and maths skills because consideration was given to the content so it would meet national curriculum standards."