YOUNGSTERS in a Tynedale village became mini firefighters as part of a packed schedule of activities for Water Safety Week.

Acomb First School was visited by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service on Monday where children took part in an indoor session about water safety, as well as learning how the fire service use a throw line to rescue casualties in water.

The pupils also had the chance to practice using a firefighters’ hose.

Water Safety Week at the school has also seen sessions take place with the Environment Agency on flood resilience and Northumberland County Council on sustainable drainage systems.

Colin Hall, community engagement officer for the Environment Agency, explained that the work was important in Acomb due it being a rapid response catchment – an area which must respond quickly to heavy rainfall.

He said: “In Acomb we have got the flood alleviation scheme and on Friday we are going to do a river walk with the kids and some of the community members who are involved.

“This week the children will be learning about various parts of water safety and flood resilience and going out there and seeing it for themselves will bring it all together.”

Headteacher Beth Clarke said: “Our children hear a lot on the news about the changing weather which can have a direct impact on our village.

“It’s very important for them to understand that we are safe but also all the work that these agencies are doing to make sure we are resilient against flooding.”