Somerset County Cricket Club is joining forces with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to get across the fire safety message.

The brigade will hang banners around Taunton’s County Ground following link ups with other sports clubs, including Taunton football and rugby clubs.

Area Commander Dave Robinson said: “This is another great opportunity to work with one of the top sporting clubs in the South-West.

“We’re always trying to be as proactive as possible regarding fire safety and with the assistance of Somerset County Cricket Club we can get our safety message across to all supporters of cricket every time they visit the ground.

“An even wider audience can be reached through televised matches.

“We’ll be supporting the club’s plans for a family fun day later in the year at the ground.”

The fire service’s sports and social association secretary Chris Snook said: “We’re also planning an exciting day at Taunton Fire Station with Somerset’s English County Cricket Board’s Academy.

“We’ve invited eight students along for the day with the aim of developing their life skills.

“We plan to show them around our training fire house and involve them in numerous other fire service work strands.

“This will build on their self-belief and confidence and improve their communication skills.”

Academy director Jason Kerr said: “This is a great opportunity for our young students to see a truly professional team at work.

“They can learn so much from these people, and hopefully prepare themselves not only for their future cricket careers, but for their lives ahead.”