FIRE chiefs found a novel way to get the message out about fire safety in 1989 – by painting a 60ft mural on the side of Oxford train station.

The artwork covered hoardings set up outside the station in November of that year.

Five sections were painted by pupils from Peers School, Cherwell School, Summertown Middle School, Oxford School and members of Oxford's Afro-Caribbean Arts Group and joined together by artist Wayne Sinclair, 18, pictured.

The project was the brainchild of Colin Crouch, the senior fire protection officer for Oxford and South Oxfordshire.

It marked Fire Safety Week which that year had a theme of 'learn not to burn.'

Oxford City Council helped to co-ordinate the project in its early stages and Mr Crouch said he was also grateful to Jewsons, Oxford, for donating the boards and Azko and Halfords who donated the paint.