POSTERS to help stop arson attacks in Chippenham have been praised by the police and fire services.

The Chippenham News has joined forces with the emergency services to help stamp out deliberate fires in north Wiltshire.

A poster designed by Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News editorial artist Chris Askew, 23, will go on display at schools and on public noticeboards next month.

Discussions are still being held about the final design but it will send out a clear message to would-be arsonists that their actions could put people's lives at risk.

Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News editor Toby Granville said: "We hope to help the police and fire services stamp this problem out.

"We are delighted to play our part as a newspaper which cares about the community."

Eight arson offences have been recorded in the town since the beginning of the year and, over the same period, there have been a further nine suspicious fires.

The emergency services are stepping up their fight against the teenage arsonists who have left a £10,000 trail of destruction around the town.

Two of the most serious offences include a 13-year-old Hardenhuish School pupil who was expelled after setting light to a classmate in Hungerdown Lane and a family who escaped with their lives after lit paper was pushed through the letterbox of their home in Malmesbury Road.

To help combat the problem, acting sergeant Mark Gale, of Chippenham police, and station officer Ade Hurren, of Chippenham fire station, are planning to meet with headteachers of the town's three secondary schools over the next couple of weeks.

Act Sgt Gale met with the force's school liaison officer this week to discuss the campaign.

He said: "I'm really pleased about the positive approach and progress that both Wiltshire police and fire service are making with the assistance of the Chippenham News."

Station officer Hurren said it was important to act now before lives are lost and was pleased the Chippenham News had come on board.

At least one headteacher has already expressed an interest in the campaign.

Colin Smith, of Hardenhuish School, said he would be happy to help police deal with the arson problem.

"The school has always tried to work closely and in full co-operation with the police and will continue to do so," he said.