PUPILS were taught that safety comes first on Pancake Day after a visit from the fire service.

Children from St Mary Magdalen’s RC Primary School, in Seaham, learned how to safely flip the perfect pancake with advice from Joanne Brenkley and Mark Henderson of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s community safety team.

Ms Brenkley said: "Everyone gets the pancake bug at this time of year and there will be loads getting made in kitchens on Tuesday, March 4.

"Our advice applies to all types of cooking and to cooks of all ages.

"We covered basic safety tips, like not getting distracted while cooking and not letting the oil in the pan get too hot; simple, easy to remember advice that everyone should follow."