A MAJOR project to improve public safety in rural communities has been launched by the emergency services.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with police and ambulance bosses to develop a pilot scheme, which will run for 18 months throughout the Richmondshire district.

The fire service has already laid the foundations for the project by establishing community fire safety advisors in remote areas.

The latest scheme is now looking to develop outreach teams which will give advice on how to prevent fires and accidents, as well as increasing community capacity to deal with emergencies.

People who volunteered to become fire safety advisors in rural towns and villages have already undergone training to prepare for the official launch of the project.

Project co-ordinator, leading firefighter Mick Brighton, said: "The volunteers have been recruited from local communities and as such are well placed to recognise and relate to target groups as identified for the project.

"The project will focus on rural communities and those who are particularly vulnerable. This contributes to national efforts to tackle health inequalities and to target action at those in the population who are identified as at risk."

He added: "Using local people as advisors will promote trust among the communities and may encourage people who might otherwise not do so, to act on advice and to seek help and support.

"Benefits to individuals would arise from raised awareness, increased confidence and a willingness to use services and support which is already available."

The scheme is intending to reduce the risk to communities of fire and other hazards, through positive action such as the installation of smoke alarms and other safety measures.

It has been awarded a grant of £50,000 from the national Invest to Save scheme and after the first 18 months, results will be monitored for a further two years.