FAMILIES could win a computer for their children's school by putting safety first.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is offering free laptops to schools returning the most applications from families, via pupils, asking for free home safety checks.

In a bid to reduce the number of house fires on Teesside, the brigade has set itself the target of visiting every home in the area to check on fire safety, alarms and escape plans.

All schools in the Redcar, Marske and New Marske areas will have firefighters visiting to talk to the children about fire safety and escape plans.

During the visit, each child will receive a form to take home to their parents, inviting them to have a free fire safety check of their home and free smoke alarm fitted. The four schools with the highest percentage of returned forms will receive a laptop computer.

Ian Harrington, Redcar Station Manager, said: "New partnerships have been forged with schools throughout Cleveland, without which this initiative could not be successful. The schools have been fantastic, letting us come in and talk to the children. So far, we have visited approximately 16 schools.

"It's given us the opportunity to give fire education to thousands of children and parents, which is a fantastic achievement. The schools also get the benefit of extra facilities to educate with the new computers, paid for through the brigade's innovation fund which supports good ideas.''

He added: "A home fire safety check involves your local firefighters visiting your home to give fire safety tips, help you make an escape plan in the case of a fire and a free smoke alarm and fitting if needed.

"It only takes about 15 minutes and is available to anyone who would like one."

For a free home fire safety check, ring (01429) 874063.