A team of young people from Ellesmere Port graduated in style.

The eight strong group from the town, who have been taking part in a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service led Prince’s Trust programme, received their certificates from Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin at an awards ceremony held at Chester Town Hall.

Ellesmere Port mayor Lynn Clare was present.

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Graduating from the personal development course were Charlie Reay, Janine Kavanagh, Nathan Schofield, Talisia Bennett, Owen Hunter, Sven Farrington, Stephanie Wall and Aaron Hallwood.

The team, dressed in black tie and evening dresses for the celebration, gave a two minute speech about their time on the course in front of a packed audience of local dignitaries, family, friends and people who had helped and mentored them over the 12 week course managed by Nichola Griffiths from the fire and rescue service.

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Tamsen Lesko, Prince’s Trust project co-ordinator for the service, said: “This course is another example of how the service provides value to the community.

“A lot of the young people on the course had few or no qualifications and had become disengaged, leading to social problems.

“Over the last 12 weeks these young people have learnt respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills. They have grown as individuals and now have clear aims and objectives in life.”

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The team took part in a number of activities during the programme which included raising money for a community project, assertiveness sessions and a week-long team building event in North Wales.

The fire and rescue service explains the programme gives young people between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self confidence.

The next team will be running from May 23 and members are now being recruited.

Anybody who is interested or who knows anyone in the age group who would benefit can obtain further details from Nichola Griffiths on 07717 654 686.