A multi-agency scheme to boost youngsters’ community spirit and promote good citizenship will start this week at Barnsley fire station.

A group of ten youngsters aged 10 – 11 will spend one day a week 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 will learn about fire safety in the home, the impact of deliberate fires on the community and other skills, such as first aid.

The scheme will start on Wednesday 26 May and will run for nine weeks, concluding with a Passing Out Parade, where the youngsters will be able to demonstrate the new skills they have learnt.

Station Manager Andy Strelczenie said: “This scheme gives young people an insight into several organisations within their area and educates them about all the work that is going on in their community.  The programme will teach them about the importance of teamwork and will hopefully give them a real sense of achievement.”