A BRAVE boy was hailed a hero after putting out a fire in a caravan park.

Ryan James Weller, 12, was enjoying a stay with his uncle at the Dovercourt Holiday Park when he noticed one of the bins had caught fire.

The incident happened after one of the campers used a disposable barbecue but failed to wait until it is cooled to put it in the bin.

But as soon as he spotted the smoking bin Ryan did not hesitate to react and put out the fire before it could spread.

His mother Laura Hart, of Dovercourt, said: “He was on his own with his little brother but I think they were walking back to his uncle’s caravan when he saw it.

“He said ‘Mum I rang the bell and let everyone know there was a fire and got a fire extinguisher and put it out’.

“I was really happy for him. He reacted so quickly more than I would. I am so proud of him.”

Ryan, who goes to Harwich and Dovercourt High School, has also successfully completed a first aid training course, giving him essential skills to assist others in emergency situations.

Laura said: “He learned all about how to put the person in the right position and how not to touch them if they are bleeding.

“He is quite a bright kid and he remembers stuff like this.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has now issued a warning over the dangers of disposable barbecues.

Will Newman, head of prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Enjoying the warmer weather with family and friends is one of the best parts of summer and many of us can’t wait to get the barbecue lit.

“However, barbecues can be dangerous if not handled responsibly.

“Our advice is to set them up well away from anything that could catch fire, like houses, sheds, fences and trees, and one a flat surface.

“Never leave your barbecue unattended and drink responsibly if you’re in charge of the cooking.

“If you’re using a disposable barbecue, read the safety instructions and make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it in the bin. Use water to cool the embers if you need to.

“If you barbecue does cause a fire, do not try to tackle it yourself, call 999 and our crews will deal with it.”