SAFETY awareness took on a whole new meaning when these children met a group of York firefighters.

They clambered into the fire engine, tried out the driver's seat and practised squirting a jet of water with the engine's hose.

The children, from Wishing Well Playgroup in Claxton and Sand Hutton, took part in the special event as part of a project they were doing about the emergency services.

The visit from York's Red Watch meant they had a real hands-on experience.

Leader Sue Bristow said all the children were thrilled to meet the firefighters.

The tots did a sponsored Toddle Waddle assault course and raised more than £100 for the village playgroup.

Updated: 11:10 Saturday, December 15, 2001