YOUNGSTERS took part in a fire safety lesson with a difference yesterday.

Firefighters from Cleveland Fire Brigade are using life-skills lessons to educate year seven pupils about fire safety and the dangers of arson and hoax calls.

The brigade's community fire safety team simulated a courtroom drama and yesterday youngsters from Northfield School, in Billingham, took part.

It is a pilot project aimed at teaching youngsters fire safety messages.

Derek Berryman, of the brigade's community fire safety team, said: "We are always looking for new ways to get our messages across in ways that appeal to people. Here we have teamed up with teachers at the schools to use a different approach to fire safety education.

"The idea of using role play to drive home important messages was met with great enthusiasm.

"We set up a courtroom scene and let the pupils be as creative as they wish in acting out a case involving hoax calls, arson, home fire safety and all the social issues that go with it.

"It's a powerful way to get through to young people and also a great deal of fun. We now aim to expand the idea to other schools in the brigade area."

Janet Reid, head of guidance at Northfield School, said: "It is important for us to work in partnership with the fire brigade to help children understand the importance of fire safety, how hoax calls affect everyone and why arson has such an impact on the community.

"The courtroom drama is an excellent scenario which brings all these issues together in a life-like way. Students can relate it to reality and therefore gain a greater understanding of how the fire service works."