18 January 2011 15:39 Harey, the hare-brained rabbit, helps educate children about the dangers of electricity

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has joined forces with DangerSpot Books author Hedley Griffin to produce a picture book which helps educate children about the dangers of electricity in and outside the home.

The picture book entitled ‘A Nasty Shock' depicts the tale of Harey, the hare-brained rabbit and his friends who learn about the potential hazards of electricity.

As part of its Safety Education Programme, Central Networks will be donating a copy of the book, which is aimed at year one pupils, to primary schools across the East and West Midlands

The story illustrates how Harey, gets a ‘nasty' shock when using a knife to retrieve toast from the toaster and when plugging in the kettle with wet hands. He also learns the dangers of playing near substations.

Anita Mellor, Public Safety Manager at Central Networks, said: "We were delighted to support DangerSpot Books in the writing of this story, which will help young minds understand the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.

"This amusing story is a great way to entertain children while promoting an important safety message. We hope primary schools will welcome this new addition to their libraries."

Author, Hedley Griffin, said: "It was a delight and a pleasure working with Central Networks, who were very helpful in their suggestions on the script. I hope this book goes a little way to help prevent electrical injuries to children and perhaps act as a good reminder to parents and teachers as they read the book to their children."

For more information on DangerSpot Books visit http://www.dangerspot.co.uk/

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 substations.
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast,
• The DangerSpot picture book series illustrates a whole range of potential dangers which could pose a threat to children including electricity, fire hazards and road safety. They follow the antics of Harey the hare-brained rabbit, who is always rushing around, having accidents;
• The author, Hedley Griffin who having spent 30 years as an animation director, working for BBC and Channel 4 Schools Television, now self-publishes his own children's books on child safety.

For further information contact:

Victoria Blake 02476 181 304