School pupils have distinguished themselves as Young Firefighters.

Young Firefighters is a 36-week course provided by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) to equip 12 to 16 year olds with a host of valuable practical and theoretical skills which boost their confidence, community engagement and career prospects.

A total of 38 cadets completed the course, which ran during term-time at fire stations across Berkshire - including Maidenhead.

The cadets got the opportunity to try out an array of fire service activities conducted by enthusiastic instructors from RBFRS. These ranged from the more practical hose drills and breathing apparatus procedures, to the more theoretical fire safety awareness sessions.

Councillor Colin Dudley, chairman of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority said: “Raising the aspirations, attainment and pathways to employability of young people is at the heart of The Young Firefighters scheme. It also encourages all the young firefighters to embrace the 'public service' ethic, which is central in all that we do at RBFRS."

At the end of the course the cadets took part in a celebratory passing out parade, demonstrating some of the many skills they had learned in front of their proud parents and receiving certificates from Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ferguson.

Anyone interested in joining the Young Firefighters programme can contact the RBFRS website or go to Maidenhead youngfirefightersmaidenhead@rbfrs.co.uk if they live in the Slough or Windsor area.