Citizenship scheme ends with fire demonstration for young students

PROUD family and friends watched a group of children show their firefighting skills at a passing out parade with a difference yesterday.

The youngsters have spent one day a week over the last nine weeks working with police officers, council workers and firefighters as part of a "citizenship" scheme.

During their time with fire crews the 10 and 11-year-olds from across Barnsley learnt about fire safety in the home, and were also shown the impact of arson in the community and taught first aid. They were also shown how council officers were working to improve the areas where they lived and learned how police fight crime in their neighbourhoods.

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Those behind the scheme said it was hoped that showing children the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities would lead to a reduction in future. Similar projects are planned in other parts of South Yorkshire.

Barnsley fire station manager Andy Strelczenie said: "The scheme has given these young people an insight into several organisations in their area and has educated them about all the work that is going on in their community. The programme has taught them about the importance of teamwork and has hopefully given them a real sense of achievement."