YOUNG tearaways who cause problems for the fire brigade are to be enrolled on a new education programme designed to show them the error of their ways.

Every year the fire service has to deal with scores of hoax calls as well as attend hundreds of arsons set by young people.

Disturbingly, respect for firefighters has also fallen dramatically with the number of voilent attacks on them almost doubling in two years to 50 incidents last year.

The new programme called FIRES – Fire Intervention Response and Education Scheme – is aimed at children as young as four who may have caused problems in the past.

They can be referred by a variety of agencies or individuals, ranging from their parents to schools or police.

Depending on the reason for their referral, they can experience everything from lessons on basic fire safety to one-on-one sessions, for the most serious cases, about the consequences of their actions.

All will be held at local fire stations in a bid to ensure the youngsters see the people their actions directly affect and what the work of the fire service is all about.

The programme sounds a good idea if the message sinks in with these children that they are putting lives at risk, including their own in the case of arson.

With the large number of deliberate and hoax calls being reported action has to be taken.

But the scheme should also not become a soft option for offenders, who still need to be dealt with by the courts for their behaviour.