GRASS fires in Trevethin have dropped to an all-time low since the launch of a new scheme aimed at young people in Torfaen.

There have been no cases of these types of fires in the area since the launch of the scheme last Autumn.

Firefighters based at Abersychan fire station have worked with youth workers to educate groups of young people in the dangers of deliberately setting fires.

Children from Pontnewynydd primary school are the latest group to take part in the "Burn It" campaign which is funded by the Assembly.

The scheme involves groups of young people producing a CD and a DVD for other young people in schools and youth clubs about the dangers of lighting fires.

The young people write the lyrics for the CD and have help from a professional film-making company to film and edit a DVD.

The workshops are held in professional recording studios at South Wales Fire and Rescue service's training and development centre in Cardiff and at Abersychan fire station.

Near the end of project the CD and DVD are showcased at the fire station to raise awareness of community safety and arson reduction.

The DVD is then given out to local youth clubs, primary schools and secondary schools in the area to be used as an educational tool.