Shropshire's anti arson show

Firefighter actors Dennis Ffrench and Dyll Ferreday with Elliott Barrett, 10 and Jaymee Bunston-Jones, 9 - two of the 1,500 Shropshire pupils who have seen the anti arson show.

More than 1,500 Shropshire school children have watched a "spine tingling" stage production which has successfully got over vital anti arson messages.

Deliberate fires increase in the county during the school holidays and with Summer fast approaching, fire officers are keen to remind children about the danger to lives and property.

Children aged between 9 and 14 from 36 county schools have watched twice daily performances from vibrant actors from the Zip Theatre who tell the chilling story of a girl who sets fire to a warehouse killing herself and a firefighter.

Lynn Hosking, youth officer with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, who organises fire safety education for youngsters, said: "They are absolutely buzzing when they come out. This has really helped to get over important messages about fire safety."

"The acting is superb and this is the second year we have used this theatre company and it has a fantastic impact on kids."

Youngsters learn, through the play, about how they should never make a hoax call as it diverts a fire engine away from a real fire and not to play with fire as it can have lethal consequences.

The Sparx! Production, a joint initiative with the fire service, regional arson reduction team and Zip Theatre is on a six week Midlands tour.

11th June, 2007