A SCHEME that equips youngsters with lifesaving fire safety skills has received a funding boost.

The Northallerton Fire Cadets has received £320 from housing association Broadacres, through its Community Development Fund.

The money will benefit the 16 young people currently undertaking a two-year course which will ultimately result in them gaining an Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.

During the course the nine girls and seven boys, who are all aged 13 to 15, learn to use specialist equipment including ladders, pumps and breathing apparatus.

They also support the fire service's community activities which promote safety.

The grant approved by Broadacres has been used to buy jackets for the current crop of candidates to wear over the next two years when they are at community events.

Adam Farrow, crew manager at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Northallerton Fire Cadets has been running continuously for the past five years but receives no external funding to support the two-year qualification.

“North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service support the scheme by providing dedicated trainers and the aim is for it to become entirely self-funding.

"We are therefore very grateful to Broadacres for their support." Rosemary Colebrook, a Broadacres’ resident who serves on the panel that determines the award, said the decision was unanimous.