Fire service writing competition aimed at saving lives in South Yorkshire

Fire chiefs hope that encouraging children to write a short story about a day in the life of a firefighter will make them think about fire safety.

Barnsley born Caryl Hart has volunteered to judge the competition.

A LEGO City fire station will be awarded to the winner, who will be as chosen by Caryl, author of popular children’s books including Don’t Dip Your Chips, Welcome to Alien School and Supermarket Zoo.

Five runners-up will win a signed copy of one of Caryl’s books.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s education advocate Julie Claytor, said: “Children are an important audience for us, particularly as they are often the best advocates for fire safety at home. We know from school visits and other education work that they often pass on vital fire safety messages to their families and we hope this competition will be another opportunity for us to spread that learning.”

Caryl said: “I know there are lots of brilliant young writers in South Yorkshire - I’ve met a lot of you. So get out your pens, pencils, computers, phones and tablets and get writing.”

The contest is open to all primary school aged children in South Yorkshire.

The theme is ‘a day in the life of a firefighter’ and the stories should aim to include at least one fire safety message.

Send entries to Writing Competition, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, 197 Eyre Street, Sheffield, or by emailing [email protected] with ‘Writing Competition’ in the subject box, before May 13.

Visit www.syfire.gov.uk/writingcompetition for terms and conditions.