PUPILS at a Chesterfield school welcomed members of the emergency services for a presentation on fire safety.
The youngsters from Dunston Primary & Nursery Academy heard from PCSO Sarah Parker, from Derbyshire Constabulary plus Adele Chapman-Jones and Matt Thompson – community safety officers with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Services – about the devastating effects of arson attacks and the dangers of disposable barbecues.
They also learned about how hoax 999 calls may cost an innocent person their life, and the cost of sending out a fire engine.
Adele Chapman-Jones, who led one of the assemblies, said: “There have been a number of incidents on the local area, notably the fire to the bridge at Wingerworth Nature Reserve, that have affected people in the town.
“The children were shocked to hear that swans were killed in this incident and it meant that people couldn’t get from one side of the reserve to another.
“They were also surprised to hear that the criminal age of responsibility is 10-years-old. Most of the children we spoke to were of that age.”
Acting headteacher Kate Collis welcomed the visit and said that the assembly had been informative.
She said: “We always appreciate visitors giving up their time to come and see us here at Dunston Primary & Nursery Academy, especially when they have such an important message to share.
“We thank Adele, Matt and Sarah for giving up their time.”
