CHILDREN have the chance to learn football skills from FA trained firefighters during the summer holidays.

The event, called Play with a Football, not Fire, will be held on Sunday, from 10am to 3pm, at Middlesbrough Football Academy, Eston, Middlesbrough.

It includes coaching for boys and girls and fire safety messages.

Steve McCarten, Billingham station manager, said: "The first event took place last year and was a fantastic success with over 100 kids taking part from all over the fire brigade's area.

"This year, we are expecting it to be an even bigger and better fun-packed day.

"Children of all ages and all skills are invited to come along and enjoy the event.

"Because of its success, the initiative has now been embedded into the brigade's community engagement framework and regular weekly sessions have been set up throughout the area.

"These sessions take place to encourage youngsters to get fit and healthy. They also give them something to do on an evening and during holidays, and use the brigade as a role model, deterring them from anti-social behaviour."

The event is open to youngsters, including children with special needs, between 6 and 14 years.

A fee of £5 will be donated to the Fire Service's National Benevolent Fund.

For details, contact Steve McCarten at Cleveland Fire Brigade on 01642-546000.