A fire service course aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour has seen nine Sheffield youngsters put through their paces by local firefighters.

The group, aged 13-16, successfully completed the Achieving Respect and Confidence (ARC) project over five days at Elm Lane fire station.

The course, which mixes practical training with some classroom-based learning, is aimed at young people who have offended, are at risk of offending or have been victims of crime.

During the five days the youngsters visited inmates at Doncaster Prison and took part in forums with police officers on gun and knife crime.

Sheffield’s Lord Mayor Councillor Alan Law presented the nine youngsters with their certificates on the final day of the course, after they performed a special demonstration infront of family and friends.

The ARC project, launched after a successful pilot in 2009, is aimed at highlighting the consequences of antisocial behaviour and teaching the youngsters a range of life skills.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Keith Watts, from community safety, said: “The course helps the youngsters not just in terms of teaching them firefighting skills and techniques, but also by showing them the value of things like teamwork, discipline and communication.

“We encourage them to think about their behaviour and to make positive choices towards improving their life chances.”

ARC is a joint initiative between South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, South Yorkshire Police and other partner agencies, funded by Sheffield City Councils Youth Offending Service.