FIREFIGHTERS delivered a rescue demonstration with rope access gear and ladders watched by schoolchildren as they launched a safety campaign.

The importance of having working smoke alarms on all floors was impressed on pupils at Nutgrove Methodist Primary School and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan helped deliver it.

Over 250 homes and 176 safety checks were carried out in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s new safety campaign. Neighbourhood fire crew advised school pupils and youth centre users on the dangers of grassland fires and talked to sheltered accommodation residents about home safety.”

Chris Case, district manager for St Helens, said: “The work helped us to highlight our key message - that smoke alarms in your home are absolutely vital.”

Leaflets were also distributed advised people to collect wheelie bins as soon as possible after they have been emptied and storing them securely away from doors and windows.

Staff also promoting carbon monoxide alarms and the importance of gas appliances being checked annually by a qualified engineer.

To request a Home Fire Safety Check, including escape plan advice, call 0800 7315958 or go to www.merseyfire.gov.uk