During the past year 23 children under the age of 10, and 12 under the age of 17, have been hurt.

In the same period, crews were called to 131 kitchen fires in the city.

Now, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the Child Accident Prevention Trust to help parents ensure their kids are "kitchen clever" when it comes to fire safety.

Kevin Hepple, community safety area manager for the brigade, said: "The kitchen is where many fires start in the home.

"It's crucial that parents know the facts about kitchen fire safety so they can pass on valuable knowledge to the whole family.

"Teaching by example can reduce the chances of having a devastating fire at home.

"Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is at hand to give advice and to help keep your family safe by providing home fire safety checks for people who are at greater risk of having a fire."

The campaign – Make a change, Make a difference – highlights that making small changes in our everyday lives can make a big difference to children's safety.

Katrina Phillips, chief executive of Child Accident Prevention Trust, said: "Just a few simple changes can keep your family safe from fire, such as fitting a smoke alarm and practising with your children what to do if the alarm goes off for real. It can make a real difference."

For more information go to www.twfire.co.uk/firesafety or visit your local fire station.

Top ten tips to avoid fire

1. Fit and maintain a smoke alarm and test it weekly.

2. Do not remove the batteries. If your smoke alarm keeps going off while you are cooking, move the alarm or change it.

3. Never leave cooking unattended.

4. Never leave children alone in the kitchen when you are cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob.

5. Set clear kitchen rules for kids such as never switch on the cooker, and do not touch saucepans.

6. Do not overload plug sockets. One plug per socket is the rule.

7. Nominate your child to be the "Escape champ". Regularly role-play and give children the responsibility to keep escape routes clear.

8. Keys for windows and doors should be kept in logical place so you can get out quickly in a fire.

9. Teach them how to call 999.

10. Remember the rules of a fire – Get out, Stay out and Dial 999. Do not delay for valuables, do not try to tackle the fire.