THE heat was on as youngsters battled to become fire safety champions.

The East Lancashire Junior Fire Safety Quiz was held at Michelin Sports and Athletic Club, Burnley.

More than 100 primary schools from across the area initially took up the challenge by entering teams of five ten and 11-year-old masterminds. The number was whittled down to two schools representing each of five areas in the final.

Eventual winner was Crawshawbooth Primary School, Rossendale, which picked up the prize shield after a hard-fought contest.

The fire service's head of fire safety in East Lancashire, divisional officer Mick Frankland, said: "Learning about fire safety early in life is vitally important; just as important as learning to swim or how to cross the road safely.

"Our visits to schools and such initiatives as the fire safety quiz provide ideal opportunities to instruct children in the essentials.

"Moreover, we find that they make brilliant messengers in passing on the lessons they have learned to families and have been known to nag parents to get a smoke alarm fitted."

Fire chiefs, civic dignitaries and members of the East Lancashire fire liaison panel were among the audience at the final.

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