CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is looking to increase the opportunities for young people in Cheshire by recruiting fire cadets.

The service is keen to recruit youngsters aged 13-15 to take part in a training scheme, which will give them the chance to learn new personal and social skills and potentially obtain a professional qualification.

Cadets will be provided with a free fire kit and uniform and will take part in a drill night one evening a week at their local fire station.

They will also take part in additional activities at weekends and during the school holidays including residential stays, local camps and national camp trips.

Cadets also fundraise for Ghana projects throughout the year, which includes young people from the Cheshire cadet units having the opportunity to go overseas on exchange visits to help with community projects and to build schools.

Mark Cashin, deputy chief fire officer for community risk reduction, said: “Our first cadet unit started in Poynton in 1992 and over the last 18 years they have grown from strength to strength.

“Being a cadet with the service is an excellent opportunity for young people and gives them the opportunity to develop personally as well as learning about self-discipline and team work.”

For more information, call Kevin Kelly in the Youth Engagement Office on 01244 342 449 or email kevin.kelly@cheshirefire.gov.uk.