The children at St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Fownhope, were all fired up with excitement when a firefighter came to visit the school recently as part of their learning about people who help the community.

Mark Cooper, a Retained Firefighter at Fownhope Fire Station, brought in his firefighter’s gear and a breathing apparatus. He talked about how firefighters help people and described what their job entails. After showing the children how fast a firefighter has to get dressed, everyone had a chance to dress up in his firefighter’s kit.

Mark Cooper said: “It was great to spend an hour with such an interactive and interested class. We started off by talking about the diverse kind of incidents Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue attend, ranging from house fires, attending crash scenes, trapped animals and water rescue.

“I showed them a smoke alarm and we talked about what to do if it went off in their home. I then explained how a Retained Firefighter attends a shout and how the alerter goes off to tell them to get to the station.

“We then all took it in turns dressing in my boots, leggings, helmet and tunic - even Mrs Best had a go!

“Finally, we looked at a Breathing Apparatus mask and set which we wear to rescue people in house fires.”

Reception Class teacher, Mrs Best, said: “This term we are covering the topic People Who Help Us. We are really lucky to have a fire station in Fownhope and firefighters willing to come in their spare time to show the children what they do and talk about fire safety in a way small children understand.

“Children learn and remember so much through experience.”

Tim Milne, Headteacher, said: “We are lucky to be part of such a real community. With the fire station in Fownhope and a number of parents Retained Firefighters the fire service are keen to help the children better understand about people who help us.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.