A police officer's unique way of sending out crime prevention messages was today being used for the first time to spread fire safety advice.

Up to 10,500 homes in the Eccleshill division can be given advice in less than two hours using a computerised voicemail system.

PC Chris Rogers-Thomas, who is responsible for co-ordinating Neighbourhood Watch in the division, is hoping the trial partnership with West Yorkshire Fire Service will be adopted throughout the force.

"It's a time-saving way of spreading the message about community safety," he said. "In theory I can get the same message to all these homes in a matter of hours."

PC Rogers-Thomas' special telephone can send out voicemail messages to 400 Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in 90 minutes. He simply sets the time and date he wants the message sent.

The co-ordinators then pass on the message to other members of their group. In the Eccleshill division there are 207 groups covering 10,500 homes.

"This is an excellent example of how police can work in partnership with other agencies - in this case the fire brigade - to enhance overall community safety," said PC Rogers-Thomas.

The first message was being sent out today. Future messages will be sent to different areas in response to local problems and needs.

Station Commander at Shipley Jim Hainsworth said the message will tell people how they can get free advice from the fire service to help avoid fires in their homes.

"Simply fitting a smoke alarm can dramatically reduce the risk of fire tragedy," he said.

"This is a ground-breaking partnership and I am delighted with the close liaison with ourselves and Eccleshill police, ensuring members of the public get an even better service.

"I hope the scheme will soon be adopted throughout the region."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.