Dozens of South Yorkshire fire cadets have been honoured at a ceremony in Sheffield to mark their achievements.

More than 70 cadets, aged 13 to 17, were recognised in front of friends and family at the event at the fire service’s Handsworth training base.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue runs seven cadet schemes- at Birley Moor, Cudworth, Edlington, Elm Lane, Lowedges, Rotherham and Stocksbridge fire stations.

Cadets train at their respective stations once a week, learning firefighting skills and techniques from specially qualified instructors. They also play a key role at community events and take part in team-building days throughout the year.

Cadets also enrol on to the Routes 4 U education package, which covers the employability skills needed to work within the health and emergency services. Young people work towards a recognised qualification at the end of a 12 month course, with certificates for successful completion of the programme handed out at last week’s event.

Station manager Spencer Rowland, said: “Our fire cadets scheme has a long and proud history. Whereas it once gave young people an insight into a career as a firefighter, it has evolved to provide a much more rounded mixture of skills and training, including community work and exercises to build personal confidence and employment skills.

“South Yorkshire has one of the most successful fire cadet schemes in the country, so it is right that we recognise the achievements of our youngsters in this way.”