Children taught fire skills to 'stay safe'

The children were taught practical firefighting skills to build confidence, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said

Nine children from a youth club were taught firefighting skills to help them engage with the emergency services "in the right way at the right time".

The three-day Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue course, for 11 to 14-year-olds, took place at Rushden Fire Station.

Lisa Bryan, from the fire service, said it was hoped the course would help the children "stay safe in the future".

The founder and manager of youth club RUSH 2The Den, known as River, said it had helped the group become "more engaged, confident, responsible young people".

The group carried out a series of fire drills, learnt basic first aid, were shown road safety and how to help someone in danger in the water

The group carried out a series of fire drills, learnt basic first aid, were shown road safety and how to help someone in danger in the water.

One of the participants said it was "fun" and "really worth getting up for in the morning".

The county's Arson Task Force, a police and fire service partnership, also explained the impact arson can have on communities and the emergency services.

Each child that attended the three-day event at Rushden Fire Station were awarded a certificate

Ms Bryan said the course had helped them "engage with young people in the right way at the right time".

"This is crucial to ensure our work leaves a lasting impact and helps them to stay safe in the future," she said.

“Our sessions provide young people with opportunities to build confidence and learn new skills, we hope that through doing that, young people feel more able to deal with difficult situations and make decisions that keep themselves and others safe.”

Firefighters showed the children how to deal with an emergency incident