SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Monmouthshire have been involved in Arson Awareness Week by taking part in a poster competition.

The campaign runs from Monday 18th May and is supported by both Gwent Police and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Local officers are supporting a number of events with local fire fighters and are working together to reiterate the dangers and consequences of setting fires.

The pupils are designing posters that aim to prevent people from deliberately setting fires, and reiterating that arson is a crime. 

Neighbourhood policing teams will be at events at local fire stations, where young people will be encouraged to think about the dangers and consequences of deliberately starting fires.

Events will be held at Monmouth fire station on Thursday 21st May and Usk fire station on Friday 22nd May.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also launched an awareness film as part of the week. Called "Look At Me Now", it aims to educate young people about the dangers of deliberate fire setting.

Gwent Police Deputy Chief Constable Craig Guildford attended a Welsh Government summit last month to look at tackling grass fires.

He said: "We are working with our partners to address the issue of arson, and in particular the deliberate setting of grass fires.

"Not only is arson a crime, but it causes significant risks to members of the public, property and countryside, in addition to those setting the fires.

"It also diverts the attention of our fire fighter colleagues and police officers, who may be required to respond to other genuine calls for assistance."

Anyone found guilty of arson can receive up to two years in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

If you have any information about individuals who start fires, please phone Gwent Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.