A SUCCESSFUL anti-arson scheme pioneered in the North-East is to be rolled out nationwide.

In its second annual report, published this week, the Arson Control Forum highlights the success of the scheme in Newcastle, featuring community partners working together to prevent malicious fires.

The Arson Task Force, established in the West End of the city, was the first of its type in the UK. It received initial funding from the insurers as well as from local industry and the police and fire services. Central Government subsequently provided additional funding to help in the evaluation of the project.

In the first three years of its existence, the task force achieved a 22.7 per cent reduction in deliberate property fires and a 30.7 per cent reduction in malicious secondary fires in the West End. Hoax calls were reduced by 62 per cent.

Its value as a pilot project from which others can learn has been recognised by a number of other areas that have now established similar task forces.

Fire Minister Nick Raynsford said the forum's key role was to provide national strategic direction in the drive against arson.

He said: "Arson control is a vital element of our fire service modernisation agenda, with its increased emphasis on fire prevention. Pioneering new schemes like the arson task force in Tyne and Wear have set the standard."