across to children -- from within its own ranks.

Firefighter Arthur Raynor is using his skills as an entertainer to teach the serious message to primary school children.

He uses a variety of ventriloquism, magic and just plain fun to give the "Get Out Stay Out'' warning.

Lt. Jon Thomson says: "He has lost his calling. He really is an excellent entertainer and he manages to get the more serious message across to the children. He has a rapport with the children.'' Mr. Raynor has a busy month entertaining the children from all but two of the primary schools on the Island.

So far he has been conducting three shows every weekday at the station for a whole string of youngsters.

They are greeted at Hamilton Fire Station by Sparky the Fire Service Dog and watch his ABC video on fire prevention.

Then Mr. Raynor starts his show, inviting youngsters onto the stage, teaching them tips like "stop, drop and roll, don't run'' if their clothes are on fire, "matches are tools not toys'' and "outlets are for plugs not fingers''.

He introduces his dummy Daniel and again asks questions about fire safety which Daniel answers wrongly. He is corrected by the young audience.

A teacher of gospel stories to children at the Southampton Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mr. Raynor offered his services for Fire Prevention Awareness Month.

He said: "I love doing this. Even though I do it three times a day there is always something different when you are working with children. There is also a serious message and they seem to be picking it up.

"I am working on an anti-drug message for schools but it is not ready at the moment.'' During their visit to the fire station the children are also invited to look at fire appliances.

Lt. Thompson said: "Previously the campaign has been held over a week but everything was too rushed. It has been a lot better over a month.

"I think the children are having a lot of fun but they are also learning from the whole experience.'' SAFE WITH SPARKY -- Five-year-old Malika Scott gives Sparky the Fire Service mascot a huge hug during a visit to Hamilton Fire Station by Victor Scott School.