ADVICE is being issued to school head-teachers hoping to prevent arson attacks like the one which destroyed a Blackpool school last year.

The 'Schools Out Forever?' booklet, produced by Lancashire Police and Fire Service, also provide advice on avoiding vandalism and juvenile nuisance around schools during the summer holidays.

Last August's devastating fire at Devonshire Junior School caused damage which would cost an estimated £7 million to repair. Building a new school is expected to cost £5 million. £750,000 worth of equipment was destroyed and children have been moved to temporary accommodation at another school building, leading to a £150,000 transport bill for Blackpool Council.

Across Lancashire, there have been 42 arson attacks on schools in the last year alone.

Lancashire's chief fire officer, Peter Holland, said: "Schools are very much at the heart of our communities and are currently under increasing pressure from those intent upon social nuisance, vandalism and arson attack.

"I support this ongoing initiative which offers timely advice to our school communities to help them protect themselves during the summer holidays and beyond. This leaflet is a product of a strong partnership between the Police, Fire Service, Healthy Schools Programme, Education Departments and others who have a keen interest in the welfare of our schools. It offers practical steps to reduce the risk of crime and forms part of a number of measures being taken by partnerships to make our communities a safer place."

Lancashire's chief constable, Paul Stephenson, added: "This initiative is an excellent example of partnership working between the Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, schools and a number of other agencies.

"I am also very grateful to Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) for additional funding in relation to this initiative. It offers sound advice to help school staff and governors reduce the likelihood of their premises becoming a target for would be offenders."