NOW winter is drawing to a close and walkers are beginning to take to the hills, an appeal has been issued encouraging them to be wary of the threat of fire.

Firefighters from Grangetown Fire Station, near Middlesbrough, were called out to deal with 44 fires on the nearby Eston Hills, last April.

Watch manager Paul Beeforth is urging people to show more consideration.

He said the most worrying thing was that the majority of fires on the hills were started deliberately.

"Most of the blazes are started by young people, so we would urge adults to talk to their children and warn them of the danger to themselves, the firefighters who have to extinguish the fires, and to the environment and wildlife that inhabit the area," he said.

"If parents believe their child may be responsible for setting fires, please let us know so we can help them through a course of one-to-one counselling."

Last year, the station, in association with other organisations, re-introduced Operation Rambler to try to keep the number of incidents down.

This involved having a police and fire presence on the hills, both on foot and in off-road vehicles, visits to local schools to remind them of the hazards and dangers of starting fires, and the presence of community wardens.

Mr Beeforth said: "The hills are an important part of this community and it is our responsibility to maintain them and protect their heritage.

"We all need to contribute to make it safe and to ensure it remains a place of beauty."