KIDS have been warned about the dangers of arson in a bid to slash the £2m cost to taxpayers.

Police and fire officers have visited schools in Heysham and Morecambe to try and reduce the number of fires started deliberately.

Leading fire fighter and project co-ordinator Vernon Whincup says most deliberate fires in Morecambe are in back alleys, usually started by eight to 15-year-olds setting fires in rubbish skips and wheelie bins.

"It may seem like a bit of fun but there could be very serious consequences which could live with people for the rest of their lives,'' he adds.

Last year fire-fighters from Morecambe were called to 2,538 fires with 1,100 of them being deliberate, a figure that cost taxpayers £2m.

Anyone with information on arson can contact PC Carl Wood on 01524-596515.