TEENAGERS are being sought to join the Northallerton Young Firefighters Scheme.

The scheme offers young people the chance to find out more about the work of the fire and rescue service, gain practical skills and teamworking abilities and carry out drills and use equipment such as ladders and hoses.

It also gives them a chance to achieve a BTEC level 2 - which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs grades A-C.

The young firefighters meet once a week at Northallerton fire station, for two-hour sessions where they learn basic knowledge of firefighting alongside a variety of other subjects including first aid and fire safety.

The next course starts in September and lasts two years. Youngsters must he 14 to join.

Anyone interestsed can collect an application form from the fire station on Crosby Road. For more information contact Firefighter James Thorpe or Firefighter Kelvin Thewlis on 01609-751010.