FALKLANDS veteran Simon Weston is writing to Wiltshire's headteachers as part of a campaign to cut down hoax 999 calls.

Nationally, pranksters make 50,000 prank 999 calls each year and the campaign is being launched this week to try to cut down on those made in Wiltshire by school youngsters.

The Hoax Impact campaign, which is sponsored by phone company Vodafone, is being spearheaded by Simon Weston following a successful trial in West Berkshire.

He said: "I know better than most what it is like to be rescued, and I have a profound respect for the brave men and women of our emergency services.

"That's why I'm delighted to support anything that will make their job safer and easier.

"Hoax Impact can make a real difference by raising awareness and I am appealing to schools to join with Vodafone to deliver this vital message to kids."

Vodafone is also sponsoring a hunt to find the town's top lifesavers.

The Vodafone Life Savers Awards are an annual search for inspiring stories of men and women who have saved the life of another in extraordinary circumstances.

The awards honour all those who work in the emergency services, as well as members of the public.

To nominate someone write to Newsdesk, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road Swindon, SN1 3BE, saying in no more than 500 words why your nomination should be considered.