Budding firefighters are blazing a trail of success

Youngsters from North Lincolnshire have successfully completed a fire fighting qualification with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

A total of 22 students from schools across the region have finished a two-year BTEC level two course on the fire and rescue service in the community.

The pupils spent half a day each week at Scunthorpe Fire Station for the course, which has similarities to how firefighters are trained.

They were presented with their certificates after demonstrating their newly learned skills to parents and teachers.

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Additional awards were given out to Ashleigh Sharpe, 16 and Joe Woolhouse, 16, for the best student of the course, while the most improved student prize went to Sophie Hardy, 16.

Ashleigh, who attends Brumby Engineering College, said: "I was very shocked to receive the award.

"I did not expect it at all.

"It was a really good course and I am considering becoming a firefighter.

"I have made a great group of friends and will be sad to leave."

Her mother Emily Fletcher said: "Her dad and I are so, so proud.

"She has loved the course and it has really improved her confidence."

The BTEC award comes in addition to a St John Ambulance first aid qualification and a British Safety Council health and safety award.

Among those to complete the challenging course was Alice Young, 16, of Brumby Engineering College.

Alice said: "I feel very proud to complete the course as it was challenging.

"The practical part was tiring but worth it.

"The award will look good on my CV and it has improved my confidence."

John Briggs, chairman of Humberside Fire Authority and a North Lincolnshire councillor, said: "It was wonderful to see the beaming faces of the pupils and to see young people with discipline and value.

"The award is great for the community and the individuals themselves.

"They should be very proud and I hope we get some great future firefighters from the group."

Andrea Stansfield, from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The course offers young people the opportunity to engage with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, gaining transferable skills for their future whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification, developing knowledge of the fire service, fire safety and supporting other community events.

"These students have spent half a day a week over the last two years working towards this qualification. They have all worked extremely hard and it's a real achievement."