28/6/2006 - Photo opportunity: Proud day for Workington's Young Firefighters

A group of young people will have their achievements recognised this week after completing Workington fire station's 'Young Firefighters' scheme.

The innovative scheme helps young people from Workington to build their self-confidence and improve teamwork and communication by training them in basic fire and rescue service skills like first aid and rudimentary fire fighting.

Photographers are invited to attend the passing out parade at the station in King Street from 11:00am on Saturday 1 July where family, friends and instructors will watch the scheme's successful Young Firefighters perform hose drills and other exercises before being presented with certificates of achievement by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service group manager, Mike McMinn.

The twelve young people, who have attended the course for two hours every Wednesday evening over the last twelve weeks, were nominated for the scheme by local schools who thought they would benefit from the training which is provided by serving firefighters.

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service group manager, Mike McMinn says the Young Firefighters scheme emphasis the importance of dedication, determination and perseverance. "The scheme gets across some important safety messages and helps these youngsters become more aware of the community around them," He said.