NURSERY children have been given a lesson in fire safety during a visit from Darlington fire brigade.

Scores of excited youngsters at Darlington College's Childcare Centre were given the chance to sit in a fire engine and help operate the fire hose with the town's Green Watch crew.

Crew manager Tony Hoban said: "We visit a lot of schools and nurseries with our community education service to talk to children on the dangers of fire.

"They enjoy playing with the water and climbing on the engine, and this early age is perfect to start teaching them their responsibilities towards fire."

Senior nursery practitioner Anita Race, who arranged the visit, said: "Some of our children had shown an interest in the work that firefighters do, so we decided to ask the brigade if they would come to see us here at the nursery.

"It not only helps the children learn about their community and the different jobs that people do, it also teaches them an important lesson about the dangers of fire."

Firefighter Dave Charman, 29, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, said: "Usually children only see us as we fly past with the blue light flashing.

"Visits such as this give them a chance to get up close to the engine and have some fun. It also gives us a chance to give something back to the community."