BURY'S new fire chief is issuing a warning to all parents about the common dangers faced by youngsters during the summer months.

Bury Borough Commander Kevan Whitehead said: "Accidents involving young children don't always happen to someone else's family. Make sure you warn your children about the possible dangers and don't ignore inappropriate behaviour."

As part of National Child Safety Week, which started on Monday the fire service has issued the following guidance.

FIRES: Keep matches and lighters away from children. If there is a dry period then children setting fire to rubbish and grass can result in fire crews attending minor incidents that not only damage the natural and local environment but potentially delay fire crews in attending more serious life threatening fires.

WATER AWARENESS: Make sure children are aware of the dangers of swimming in ponds and rivers. Swimming should always be confined to a supervised pool with lifeguards.

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS: Children climbing on to factory roofs and other buildings put themselves in great danger. All too often this results in the fire service attending a fatal incident to assist paramedics in gaining access to buildings where children have fallen through the roof.

MALICIOUS CALLS: Hoax calls tend to increase during the summer months. Hoax calls cost lives.

BARBECUE SAFETY: Keep children well away from barbecues. Never use petrol to help light a barbecue.

ROAD SAFETY: The age group most at risk of being involved in an accident are children aged between five and 14, with the highest casualty rates occurring with children aged 12. Ensure children know how to cross the road safely, and they should always wear a seat belt when travelling in a car. All cyclists should have a properly fitted cycle helmet and taken a cycling proficiency course.