SCHOOLS should have sprinkler systems incorporated into their designs, the leader of County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade has said.

George Herbert told yesterday's fire authority meeting that school fires cost the nation about £100m each year, and 70 per cent were caused by arson.

"This is the equivalent to the cost of building 100 new primary schools or employing over 5,000 teachers," he said.

The impact on the children's education could not be ignored following the destruction of books, course work, examination paperwork and personal belongings.

Mr Herbert said he would also like sprinklers installed where buildings were undergoing major refurbishment or were thought to be a high risk. They reduced the amount of heat, fire and smoke damage and dangers to pupils, staff and firefighters.

He said the fire brigade was working closely with Durham County Council in an effort to promote the use of sprinklers and it would be approaching Darlington Borough Council to press the same message home.

A spokesman for the council said there were no sprinklers in Darlington schools and so far it had not been decided whether to include them in the new Firthmoor Primary School.