Youngsters from two schools in Sheffield have had a lesson in fire safety this half term, with one very special fireman making a surprise appearance.

Sixty pupils from Myers Grove and Wisewood schools, which are set to merge in 2011, were invited by Sheffield Wednesday's Community Programme to take part in a three-day initiative designed to allow them to get to know their future classmates.

SWFC teamed up with South Yorkshire Fire Service, South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Council and Pennine Housing to offer the kids a chance to visit South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Training Centre.

They were given the opportunity to try on a fire fighter's kit and were asked how they would deal with scenarios faced by the fire service on a daily basis.

The youngsters then visited Hillsborough Stadium where they were taken on a ground tour before Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant made a surprise appearance disguised as a fire fighter.

The Owls star, who dreamed of being a fireman when he was young, dropped in for a Q&A session with the kids, before signing autographs and posing for pictures on the pitch.

Trevor Bernard, Stocksbridge and Rivelin fire station manager, said: "South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are committed to making the community safe and educating young people of the consequences of fire. The initiative was a real success and provided young people with a greater understanding of fire safety."

On the last day of the scheme the youngsters, along with some parents, took part in a clean-up day at Hillsborough stadium, litter picking after the Doncaster game and as were rewarded with a ticket to watch the Owls take on Ipswich.

Matt Bray, Sheffield Wednesday's social inclusion officer said: "It was great to see the young people getting on so well and so eager to volunteer for the SWFC tidy up."