A SAFETY conscious pupil who spotted potential fire hazards in her home has been presented with a trophy and a £25 WHSmith voucher today during an assembly at Shipston Primary School.

The presentation was carried out by Community Fire Safety Officer Andy Morgan who presented Lola Schofield with a trophy for taking part in Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Services’, Junior Fire Safety Champion Scheme.

The Junior Fire Safety Champion Scheme, which has been running in Primary schools since September 2011 is delivered to all Year 5 pupils and includes a talk on smoke alarms, kitchen and electrical safety and a night -time ‘turn it off’ routine.The sessions also include a hazard spotting exercise, where fire crews give pupils the information and skills to carry out a child-friendly home fire safety check.

Pupils are then asked to carry out a check in their family home, grandparents, neighbours, relatives or friends’ houses, checking key elements such as whether there is a working smoke alarm, if there are any electrical cables running under carpets or rugs and ensuring that there is only one plug used per socket.

As well as receiving a certificate, Lola will also receive a fantastic trophy and £25 WHSmith gift voucher after being picked out of the monthly prize draw.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s schools liaison officer, Ruth Greenhalgh said: “The aim of the Junior Fire Safety Champion Scheme is to educate young people about fire safety, electrical fire safety and how to stay safe in the home. When running the activities we ask pupils to actively engage in their learning by running through the home fire safety check assessment in their family home or with neighbours or grandparents.

“By completing the assessment, Lola has shown just how much the scheme can benefit young people and their families, which is why we are so pleased to be presenting her with a Junior Fire Safety Champion trophy and prize.”

Moreno Francioso community fire prevention and arson manager said:

“The Junior Fire Safety Champion Scheme has proven to be a real success with young people since it was established in September 2011. To date over 100 schools have taken part in the scheme and I hope that continues to rise.

“I would like to congratulate Lola on receiving her trophy and I hope that she is able to share the knowledge that she has gained with family and friends to help ensure that they can also stay fire safe.”