Firefighters took along a fire engine to spread their safety message to the Rascals -- an after-school club for four to 11-year-olds at Radley Primary School, near Abingdon.

Sub Officer Bob Paterson said: "It was an entertaining afternoon. We enjoyed talking to the children and they loved our fire engine.

"It is so important to get the fire safety message home to children at an early age. We find it is paying dividends because they take the message home."

Supervisor Trish Pimm, whose seven-year-old son Joshua is a Rascal, said the club was popular. She said: "The children can do homework or take part in activities. It is a great help for parents who are working.

"To make the club more interesting we are inviting various groups, including the emergency services. We feel it is important that young children understand the work of the fire, police and St John Ambulance.

"We have also booked the Army from Dalton Barracks and are planning a karate and judo exhibition."

Rascals can be contacted on 07788 768979.