A YOUNGSTER arrived at her school gates in style this morning (Monday December 17).

Pupils looked on in envy as Taylor Guttridge rolled up at Throston Primary School in a fire engine.

The excited five-year-old was a guest of Cleveland Fire Brigade after winning a Christmas card competition and landing a ‘Cool ride to school’.

The competition was part of the brigade’s ‘Stay Safe and Celebrate’ Christmas campaign, an initiative aimed at warning people of the dangers of house fires over the festive season.

Taylor, from Hartlepool, designed a card warning against overloading plug sockets. The card will be used as an e-card by the brigade throughout the Christmas period.

She was presented with a framed copy of the card and a goody bag.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “With the festive season upon us, we want to ensure everyone enjoys it safely. For this, people need to be aware of the possible dangers when it comes to fire and take precautions to prevent a tragedy.

“Taylor’s design is fantastic and it’s easy to see why it received 39 per cent of the votes. It will certainly help spread one of our key messages and possibly help prevent someone’s home going up in flames.”

For further information on safety in the home, visit the Brigade’s website – www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/celebrate – where you can click on to an interactive house and get further advice.