A group of youngsters from Barnsley will be showing off their newly learnt firefighting skills at Barnsley Station on Thursday 22^nd July, as part of a multi-agency scheme to boost youngsters’ community spirit and promote good citizenship.

The group of ten youngsters aged 10 – 11 have spent one day a week, over the last nine weeks with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, South Yorkshire Police, Barnsley Council and other local agencies to see how their area is being developed and improved, in order to promote their community spirit.

At South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, the group have learnt about fire safety in the home, the impact of deliberate fires on the community and other skills, such as first aid.

The scheme which started on Wednesday 26 May and will conclude on Thursday 22^nd July with a Passing Out Parade, where the youngsters will be able to demonstrate their new skills in front of friends, family and local councillors.

Station Manager Andy Strelczenie said: “The scheme has given these young people an insight into several organisations within their area and has educated them about all the work that is going on in their community.  The programme has taught the youngsters about the importance of teamwork and has hopefully given them a real sense of achievement.”

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