TEENAGERS have graduated from a young firefighters programme with a passing out parade in Millom.

A group of 12 Millom School pupils have completed Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's Young Firefighters Phoenix training scheme at the town's fire station.

The group, which had an equal split of boys and girls, completed the course over 12 weeks on Monday nights in their own time.

On Saturday they demonstrated their new skills at a passing out day at Millom Fire Station.

They were kitted out with uniforms and protective clothing to undertake a variety of fire service related activities which have enhanced their team-work, communication, confidence, leadership, attitude, punctuality, and generally skills for life.

The group's displays included hose and pump drills and undertaking a mock car accident rescue to show how casualties are released from vehicles.

They are also trained to use breathing apparatus and are first aid trained to British Heart Foundation standard. The group has completed community and home safety activities and road awareness training.

At the end of the course, a passing out parade allows the young firefighters to demonstrate their recently acquired skills to family members, local councillors and senior fire and rescue service staff.

The certificates were presented by Cumbria Fire Service area manager, Nick O'Key,

Mike Dobson, a crew manager in Millom and Barrow, congratulated the young firefighters on their achievements and thanked Millom School for the collaboration.

Mr Dobson also thanked all those who have support the scheme. Millom Town Council, through Co-ordination Group Publications Trust Fund, donated many thousands of pounds over the past 11 years, along with other private donations.

The scheme is part of the fire service's youth engagement strategy and this was the 12th course in Millom.

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