A group of young people has taken part in a fire service intervention scheme.
Ten students from Neale Wade Academy in March recently completed the week-long Firebreak course at March Fire Station, which is designed for those who may be struggling in mainstream education and aims to boost confidence and develop key life skills through hands-on firefighting activities and teamwork.
Matthew Warren, Cambridgeshire’s chief fire officer, joined the group for part of the course and took part in ladder drills and casualty care alongside the students.
Mr Warren said: "Firebreak is one of the things that our service delivers that I am exceptionally proud of.
"Seeing the positive impacts that our colleagues have on vulnerable young people is really humbling.
"Groups come to the station on day one of Firebreak with a range of vulnerabilities and challenges, many with low confidence and self-esteem.
"By the time they reach the end of the week they have overcome fears and grown as people through working as a team.
"It is so inspiring to see how our colleagues inspire young people to go on and achieve so much during the course."
Firebreak, run by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, combines classroom-based learning with practical activity to provide a positive alternative learning environment and develop teamwork and relationship-building skills.
The course concluded with a pass out parade, where the group demonstrated their skills through a drill yard exercise in front of invited guests and dignitaries.
Mr Warren also presented participants with certificates recognising the qualifications they had earned during the programme.
He said: "I was delighted to be able to spend time with this group and present them with their certificates.
"Seeing the culmination of their hard work over the week at the pass out ceremony, in front of their teachers and family members, was fantastic."
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