A MAJOR new push to reduce the number of children involved in accidents has been launched by Suffolk fire and rescue service. The life saving strategy was signed as part of during Child Safety Week which runs until tomorrow .

A MAJOR new push to reduce the number of children involved in accidents has been launched by Suffolk fire and rescue service.

The life saving strategy was signed as part of during Child Safety Week which runs until tomorrow .

The strategy pledges to protect Suffolk's children by reducing the number of people killed or injured on the county's roads by 50 per cent as well as reducing the number of people killed or injured by fire by 20 per cent.

It has also pledged to teach children the dangers of fire and work on educational programmes to prevent young people getting involved in arson.

Portfolio holder for public protection Joanna Spicer said: “Our role is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

While fire deaths are falling the number of children killed in fires in the home is still too high.

The death or harm of a child is through fire or accident is something too painful for most of us to contemplate.

Tragically, it is something that some parents and carers do have to face and it is our responsibility to work together to prevent the loss of life in Suffolk.”

Chief fire officer and national lead on child safety for the fire service Lee Howell said: “The fire and rescue service and local crews are well placed to act as role models and leaders in our local communities for young people, helping to keep them out of harm.

“We have the skills and standing to positively influence the behaviour of young people in Suffolk.”

Over the next month, everyone who wants to give their views on this work can via the Suffolk County Council website at www.suffolk.gov.uk or the Community Fire Safety Team on 01473 588888.