A major fire safety campaign is being launched by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to reduce injuries from accidental fires that traditionally increase during the summer.

Firefighters and community fire safety officers are giving advice on fire prevention over the next few weeks at county markets, shows, carnivals and festivals in July and August.

A Shropshire car dealership has donated a scrap car to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to help firefighters practice rescue techniques.

The left hand drive Peugeot silver estate was delivered to Shrewsbury fire HQ by Rybrook Shrewsbury and will be used as part of regular training exercises to keep firefighters fully prepared to deal with vehicle crashes on county roads.

Group Commander Neil Griffiths thanked the Mini dealership for the vehicle which will be used to train firefighters in casualty care.

The people of Shropshire are being asked to give their views on major cost cutting plans for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service at a series of public meetings being held across the county in July.

The public can question fire chiefs and members of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority about plans to move Shrewsbury’s fire control and merge it with a larger 999 control centre outside the county saving £300,000 a year.

“We want the people of Shropshire to give us feedback about what they think of the proposals,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Johnson.

Children are learning about fire safety with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service during Child Safety Week.

Fire crews from across the county are educating youngsters about the dangers from fire at a series of events.

They include playgroup visits to Bridgnorth fire station, Whitchurch firefighters at a supermarket, the brigade’s Outreach education vehicle at a party in a park at Albrighton, and a visit to a nursery in Shrewsbury. Firefighters will also be at Admaston House community centre on June 28 with a fire engine to talk to families about fire safety.

Three members of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have been honoured with invites to the Queen's Royal Garden parties.

Wem Watch Manager Phil Smith, Shrewsbury Fire Control Watch Manager Ian Titley and Station Manager Neil Griffiths attended the prestigious Buckingham Palace events in June.

Chief Fire Officer John Redmond said: "The honour is in recognition of their dedication and good work for the county fire and rescue service.  We are very proud of them."