SCHOOLCHILDREN from all over Cornwall visited Truro fire station to learn about the hidden dangers that they can face in everyday life.

Safety is the key message and it is hoped the children will acquire knowledge and the necessary lifeskills to deal with a variety of incidents in the future.

A newly-built fire safety building, looking like a bedroom inside, with artwork by students from St Austell College, is being used for the lifeskills sessions. There are hidden dangers inside such as overloaded plugs, burning candles and matches.

Sarah Webber, community safety advisor, said: "In previous years the children have been split into eight groups, six in each. These groups rotate every ten minutes between interactive presentations from the various organisations. "When they reach the fire brigade 'bedroom' we will ask the children to identify the dangers and talk to them about how they would escape from that room if there was a fire on the other side of the door".

Davinia Grist, public relations officer for the fire service, said: "Last year over 750 children attended the two events at St Austell and Newquay. This year even more children will be encouraged to think about safety in their day to day lives. We are pleased that so many of the local schools are supporting this event again.

"Everyone is committed to educating young people and we are hopefully helping to reduce the risks these children may face in the future."