Island to give them safety tips.

Bird, as he likes to be known, is the star of Belco's new kite safety campaign in schools.

Starting today, he'll be visiting primary schools with his slide show and his assistant, Belco kiteman Mr. Cornell Dunkley.

He'll be taking over from his smaller cousin, the original Bird, who has been doing the job for about 10 years. For the first time, he'll also be giving general tips on safety and saving energy.

And he'll be announcing his new kite-safety poster competition. Mrs. Linda Smith, Belco spokeswoman, said Bird had been given a bigger role in the annual campaign because he was so popular with children.

Kids already sent in safety posters, she said, so it was decided to arrange a competition with prizes of Bird kites and a $500 donation to the top class.

Here's the word from the Bird on safety: Do keep away from loose or bare wires.

Don't poke things into toasters or sockets.

Don't use nails or wire when making your kite.

Do fly kites in big open areas like parks or beaches, not near electricity poles or wires.

Don't try to pull your kite down if it gets stuck in wires -- call a Belco kiteman instead.

BIG BIRD -- Belco's new larger-than-life safety mascot, Bird, meets five-year-old Sydel James.