THERE was a surprise treat for nine-year-old Sarah Packer of Bere Alston at her local fire station recently.

The station had held an open day a couple of months ago and Sarah was so impressed with the Arson Task Force dog and his handler who put on a demonstration there that she wrote to the fire service to find out more, with a view to a job in the future.

Leading firefighter and dog handler Nick Miles said: 'Sarah really took it on board that that was what she wanted to do. She loves dogs but can't have one herself at present.'

Sarah's interest was towards the arson side, so it was decided to put on a demonstration for her at Bere Alston station in more detail than had been possible on the open day.

'We went to the village, taking the dogs Cappa and William, and the local crew laid on a buffet for her and her family. Carlton TV turned up as well,' said Nick. Sarah was also presented with a framed photo of Cappa.

The Arson Task Force has only recently been launched by the Devon and Cornwall fire service with the aim of reducing arson in the South West.

'With the dogs we'll do it,' said Nick, who said nothing mechanical could match the sensitivity of the dogs.

PC Gareth Twigg has been seconded from the police to work with the task force to help achieve their aim.