CHILDREN yesterday took part in a passing out parade at Peterlee Community Fire Station after completing a 12-week course.
The team of 12 and 13-year-olds from Shotton Hall and St Bede's Comprehensive Schools had taken a Firebreak Course run by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
The 14 pupils had to learn all the disciplines a firefighter would need to know including hose running, ladder skills, first aid, the use of breathing apparatus and road traffic accident training.
They have also been trained in life skills such as personal health and team-building.
The aim of the course was to improve students' social skills, life skills and the ability to work as a team.
Previous participants of the Firebreak Course include a student who had a school truancy rate of 80 per cent but after taking part on the scheme his truancy rate reduced to less than 20 per cent.
A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firebreak not only makes a worthwhile contribution to improving the lives of young adults in the local community, but has been proved to make a difference of a lifetime for a lifetime."
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