PUPILS at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh are set to witness a stark reminder of the dangers of not paying attention at the wheel.

But fortunately, it’s all an act.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Helensburgh has announced plans to stage the 'real time crash scenario' for S5 and S6 pupils at the school, ahead of many of them learning to drive.

Stuart McDonald, watch manager at Helensburgh's community fire station, revealed the plans at a meeting of Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group.

He also added that one lucky school pupil could be about to come into the fire station and watch their local fire service in action.

It is hoped that the 'Cut It Out' event at Hermitage Academy will take place in February, but a definite date has still to be set.

He said: “We are currently trying to roll the ‘Cut it Out’ presentations to S5 and S6 pupils. Some have already seen a presentation and we intent to organise a real-time crash scenario at Hermitage.

“There, pupils will be able to see for themselves what happens when a crash occurs, from the person phoning for help to the victim being taken away in an ambulance.

“We will also identify a young person to come into the station and see one of the watches in action, and are looking for help from our partners to identify a suitable candidate.”

Stuart also revealed some statistics on the extent of the fire service’s work locally in recent months – including more than 100 free smoke detectors being fitted.

The Helensburgh station also shared its office space in 2018, and the arrangement has proven to be a success.

Stuart added: “I have recently taken over responsibility for Helensburgh and Garelochhead. We have seen an overall reduction in incidents we have attended.

“We have attended 129 home fire safety visits and fitted 115 free smoke detectors. We continue to work with the British Heart Foundation and are happy to continue to train everybody in CPR and defibrillation.

“We would encourage anybody who thinks they need training in these respects to contact ourselves.

“We also arrange visits to the station. Our Young Firefighters unit is now established and we are recruiting another five young people aged 13 to 17. We are happy to work with our partners to identify vulnerable youngsters who can get involved.

“Women’s Aid are now established at the Helensburgh fire station and from January 1 until the start of November they had held 250 consultations at the premises.”