YOUNGSTERS are being given lessons in the danger of fire in a bid to curb hooligan attacks on firefighters.

They are also being told of the risks involved in playing or swimming in open water - and in stealing cars and setting fire to them.

Firefighters hope that by helping young people to understand the dangers, they will be less likely to be attacked while on calls.

The six-week course at Horwich Fire Station also highlights the damage hoax calls can do.

Firefighters facing abuse on callouts is a growing problem. Recently firemen in Little Hulton were surrounded by a gang of 50 youths who hurled stones and shouted abuse at them as they tried to put out a fire which had been deliberately started.

Horwich Station manager, Charlie Harrison, said: "While the students on this course are not connected with any kind of trouble, nationally attacks on officers are on the increase, and Horwich is not immune to problems. So far the youngsters have responded very positively. We are giving them respect and they are giving us respect."

The teenagers, who are 15 and 16, visit the fire station one afternoon a week to learn about a specific topic and are now half-way through the course.

"We are doing this because we believe we can act as role models to the kids," said Mr Harrison.

"We can build up trust with young people; perhaps stopping them making malicious calls or starting small fires."

Mr Harrison added that the course could become the benchmark for other stations to follow.