A school in Witham has launched a scheme which sees young people appointed as fire ambassadors.

New Rickstones Academy is the first to appoint students as as part of the scheme in an effort to educate youngsters on fire safety.

While many schools already take part in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s (ECFRS) Fire Break programme to raise awareness of fire safety, the academy is the first to take the work one step further.

Pastoral coordinator Liz McPartlin came up with the idea.

She said: “We spoke with the education officer at ECFRS and they said they have not had any schemes like this before.

"The education officer came in to speak with students and brought a Witham fire crew and engine along.

"Students got to sit in the fire engine and start it up, try on the kit and even have a go with the water hose.

"As ambassadors, they will get a wider view of how the fire service operates."

The fire service will be liaising with the school on themes and messages to focus on each month, while the Year 8 fire ambassadors will promote fire safety, starting with the importance of smoke alarms.

A noticeboard has gone up in the school and leaflets have been supplied to be handed out to students to take home.

Dan Bailey, education co-ordinator at ECFRS, said: “We are delighted that New Rickstones Academy has appointed fire ambassadors.

"It is great to hear students from the school will be running campaigns each month to educate their peers on fire safety in the home.

“We have made several visits to the school in recent years to discuss fire safety and it is fantastic the students want to spread the messages they have learnt.

"Our education officers will keep in contact with representatives in the school to see how the children’s campaigns are going and offer advice where we can."