IN WALES he is Sam Tân, but when he comes to Southport on Monday, just call him Fireman Sam! The hero of children everywhere and the most famous fireman in the Valleys is at the Southport Theatre with all of his Pontypandy pals for a great show to keep the children smiling as the return to school looms. Fireman Sam To The Rescue is an all-live show telling the tale of Pontypandy Fun Day. Elvis Cridlington is looking after the barbecue, PennyMorris is giving akeep fit demonstration and Dilys Price is looking after the stalls. Before the fun day can begin, Fireman Sam will be out on Jupiter to sort out aflood, a trapped hand and a fire - will there be enough time for Pontypandy to start enjoying itself ? What will come as a shockto many 20-somethings, it is 20 years since Fireman Sam's animated adventures began screening on children's television. The idea came from two Kentish firemen, who put the idea to the Welsh TV station S4C, who liked what they heard. John Alderton, husband of Shirley Valentine actress Pauline Collins, narrated the first series, which returned three years agowith some brand new characters, including the mischievous Mandy Flood and Tom Thomas, the pilot of rescue helicopter Wallaby One. The biggest difference between the 1980s series and its 21st century follow-up is the incident where naughty Norman Price set fire to the Pontypandy café. His actions led to him being charged with arson and he received an Anti Social Behaviour Order - an episode which was shown in schools around the country to teach youngsters the importance of not playing with fire. Let'shope Fireman Sam doesn't face such behaviour on the Southport theatre stage! * Fireman Sam To The Rescue is onstage from 2.30pm. Tickets are £10. Call 0870 607 7560 for more details. | 
