DRIVEN youngsters turned firefighters to engage in teamwork and self-confidence boosting exercises.

Schoolchildren from Greenstead, Colchester, completed a team-building course run by Essex Fire Service.

The 12 youngsters, aged between 11 and 16, braved a week-long series of firefighting challenges at Colchester Fire Station.

Activities included operating powerful water hoses, using specialist breathing apparatus, climbing ladders and even rescuing casualties from a two-storey building.

The Firebreak course ended with a special passing out ceremony, where the young cadets displayed their skills to proud friends and family before being presented with a certificate of achievement.

Certificates were also awarded to those who displayed good attendance and punctuality and showed signs of fire safety awareness, first aid, water safety and teamwork throughout the course.

Donna Finch, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s community development and safeguarding manager, said: “Our Firebreak programme is continuing to prove a fantastic success in offering young people the opportunity to learn skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

“This group of young adults have shown great maturity during their week with us and I would like to congratulate them on demonstrating such commitment in achieving the accreditation - they should all be very proud of themselves.”

The course was offered to participants of the Colchester Youth Project, which has been running since June 2017 and is due to end in August.

The project has given the young people the opportunity to learn about the dangers of gang culture, drugs and alcohol.

Homelessness and the importance of mental health are also among the problems addressed during the project’s discussions.

The youths also have the opportunity to explore the benefits of sensible budgeting and health eating, and undertake team-building exercises., work closely with the elderly, and enjoy sports sessions with Colchester United FC.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, was on hand to congratulate the youngsters.

He said: “I would like to congratulate all of the young people who took part in this week’s Firebreak course.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for them to find out about the work of the Fire Service and how, by developing confidence to make the right decisions for themselves, they can also make a real and lasting difference in the community.”

“By learning about fundamental principles of leadership, teamwork and motivation, those taking part will hopefully have acquired a greater sense of self-esteem.”