A fire chief is calling on landlords to make their property as child proof as they can - ahead of the school holidays.

Middlesbrough Fire Station Officer Ron Carr made his plea after there children fell ten feet through the roof of a disused garage at the rear of Pemberton Crescent, Beechwood, Middlesbrough.

The two girls and one boy, all aged about ten years, had been climbing a tree overhanging the empty garage block, when they fell on Thursday evening.

The little boy cut a hand and arm in the fall, but was otherwise unhurt.

Mr Carr said: "A neighbour heard the children shouting and crying and he immediately called the ambulance service.''

The ambulance service asked Cleveland Fire Brigade to help rescue the children as the front of the garage, into which the youngsters had fallen, had been securely boarded up.

"It took a bit of forcing, but we got in and got them out,'' said Mr Carr.

"We really have got to get the safety message through, to make sure people are vigilant and buildings made as secure as they can be.

"Children will always want to explore and will always be attracted to climb and do things. It's just a matter of people being aware and for owners to make buildings as secure as they can - and for parents to give their children a safety reminder.''