PRIMARY school youngsters have swapped their desks for a day as a firefighter.

The heat was certainly on for the 90 children aged from five to seven-years-old from Holly Mount RC Primary School as they were put through their paces at Bury Fire Station.

They were invited to visit the station as part of learning about the Great Fire of London.

Steve Wilcock, watch manager, said: “We are more used to showing 20 or 30 children not 90, but we ran with it and organised the station into three areas for children to take part in activities.

“They had a chance to try on little firefighter suits, with some racing to see who could put their’s on first!”

During the visit, children saw a road traffic accident demonstration and found out more about the role of a firefighter, as well looking round a fire engine.

Mr Wilcock said: “We told them if they see a fire engine to give us a wave.

“We also passed on fire safety messages such as the importance of smoke detectors in the house and to have the confidence to speak to the fire service.”

He added: “They really enjoyed themselves.”

Children have not stopped talking about their visit to the fire station.

Year Two teacher Emily Burke said: “The children loved it, they have been buzzing about it all week.

“It was the perfect combination of education and fun.

“The visit was amazing, it was so well planned and the crews were good with the children.”

All the children have since written letters of thanks to Green Watch about their visit.