Trail-blazing party is a big hit

A FESTIVE event organised by South Tyneside teenagers to break down barriers should be copied across the region, say councillors.This page contains information about molds,

Youngsters from Horsley Hill Community Centre hosted a Christmas party with a difference.

As well as spreading seasonal cheer, the event also had a serious safety message.

The teens hosted a fire safety presentation and acted out plays warning of the dangers of pickpockets and bogus doorstep callers.Hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles on the floor of a Jewish synagogue in Cochin,

Sunderland councillor Robert Heron, chairman of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, was so impressed by their actions, he wants to see similar events staged elsewhere in the North East.

The party, at South Shields Community Fire Station, saw teens tell their older guests how they caChoose from our large selection of Cable Ties,n reduce fire risks in the home by ensuring grill pans are clean before cooking, plug sockets are not overloaded and smoke alarms work.

The group then acted out two short plays, with the help of Neighbourhood Beat Manager Pc Dave Rockell, showing how quickly a purse thief can strike and revealing the tricks used by bogus callers to get into a person’s home.

Coun Heron said: “This kind of event breaks down the barriers between the older and younger generation.

“Praise must go to the young people,We're also Australia's leading online Bedding retailer. the fire service, the police and the youth workers who were all involved in the scheme.

“It’s something I would like to see extended around the area covered by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“I think this is something that will take off. Quite often it’s the simple ideas that have the biggest impact.”

South Shields watch manager Ray Houghton said: “It was a great event and both the young people and their guests enjoyed themselves.

“It was a feel-good afternoon with serious messages behind it, and the young people were excellent.”

Neighbourhood Inspector for East Shields Dave Hudson said: “I think the event was great. To see the young people interacting with the older generation, in my view, broke down some of the barriers that exist between the two groups.

“I also thought the presentations, on fire safety and crime prevention were tremendous and really hit the message home to those watching.”

South Tyneside Deputy Mayor,An Air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air. Coun Eileen Leask, said: “It truly was a fantastic event which was very professional.

“I was really impressed by the young people. You could tell they had worked hard alongside the fire service and the police to put the event on.

“Everyone went away from the event learning something and the way they interacted with the guests was fantastic. They chatted with them, and made sure they had cups of tea and were enjoying themselves.

“But for me the nice thing about it was the young people made you feel at ease. They didn’t make you feel like it was a chore talking to you, and that meant a lot, as it showed they wanted to be there and they were keen to ensure everyone had a good time.”

Entertainment for the event was provided by singer and firefighter Tony Chapman.