Firefighters raised £300 for 60 training bibs for Reyrolle Juniors, with young footballers attending a community safety day at Hebburn Sports and Social Club.

Watch manager Ray Houghton and crew managers Sharon Robson and Ian Poppett, from Hebburn fire station, organised the safety sponsorship project for the young footballers, who play in the South Tyneside Youth League.

Crew manager Poppett said: "The background to this is that the fire service has a community fund for fire safety initiatives.

"The aim is to get the fire safety message across, and to make contact with hard-to-reach groups.

"We arranged a safety event at Hebburn Sports and Social Club, based around the dangers of chip pan fires.

"The youngsters listened to safety talks and watched demonstrations. It's a good way to get the safety message across."

The training bibs worn by the young players contain the message ' hoax calls cost lives.'

Crew manager Poppett added: "The bibs mean one part of the fire safety message is getting across every time they play a game.

"The fire service has previously supported other junior football teams in the Gateshead area, so it was good to support a local side."

Reyrolle Juniors play their games at Monkton Stadium in Jarrow.