A scheme to educate young children about the dangers of starting fires is to be expanded.

The Firesetter Intervention Scheme is being widened to cover the whole of Oxfordshire.

Chief Fire Officer John Parry said: "Curiosity about fire is a part of a child's growth process and the majority of fires started by young children are from experimentation rather than malice.

"But the results can be, and often are, catastrophic. We want to step up the successful Firesetter scheme."

Oxfordshire Fire Service introduced the scheme in 1996.

Trained advisors who have worked with the police and social services help children understand the circumstances that led them to light fire and then look at the potential consequences of their actions.

Requests for help will result in advisors arranging to visit a child. For more information about the scheme call 01865 242223.