New guide for safer holidays

CHILDREN'S illustrator Quentin Blake has designed a booklet to warn children of the dangers of electricity.

Ipswich-based electricity distribution company 24seven has produced a booklet with the artist's illustrations to tell children how to keep safe this summer.

The guide, which is called Zap!, has drawings similar in style to those seen in Roald Dahl books when he designed the illustrations for the children's novelist.

In it he shows children what would happen if they played with kites near electricity pylons or filled up a kettle while it was switched on.

"Ever since the day when I had just left school, I have been very conscious of how important it is to be careful with electricity, so when I was asked to do this booklet I said yes straightaway," said Mr Blake.

"There was something else that attracted me. I once trained to be a teacher, I'm now an illustrator and spend most of my time telling stories in pictures, so I'm aware that pictures are a good way to give information – they can give facts and be fun at the same time. That's what I have tried to do here."

He told children "look after yourselves, look after each other, don't get zapped, stay alive."

Wendy Jupp, community relations manager for 24seven, said that as the summer holidays were approaching they wanted to remind children how to stay safe around electricity.

"Look out, look up for overhead lines, don't fly your kite, or carry any tall objects such as fishing rods, near overhead power lines. Overhead lines are extremely powerful and can carry up to 4000,000 volts.

"Never, ever, enter a substation – this is where electricity is distributed and is dangerous.

"If your ball bounces over a substation fence ask your parent or guardian to call 24seven on 0800 7838838 – we'll retrieve it for you safely."

For a copy of the free booklet call 08701 960253.