A group of young people from Falmouth and Penryn are celebrating their achievements after completing an innovative course run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Phoenix team.

The course taken by the six, 12 to 16-year-olds, had been financed by Falmouth Town Council and to show their support, the town's deputy mayor, Grenville Chappel and his wife, June; and Councillor Maureen Davies, one of the longest serving members of the council, attended the passing out ceremony. They were joined family and friends of the Phoenix graduates - Steve, Caleb, Aimee, Sol, Kye and Jordan.

The course, which was developed by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) aims to provide support and training to improve the attainment, attendance or behaviour of those who take part.

The youngsters were all given the chance to take part in a range of fire service activities to promote teamwork, communication skills, raise confidence and aspirations. Alongside this, the course included fire and road safety advice and train the trainer.

Throughout the course participants get the chance to learn and develop transferable skills by taking part in fire and rescue service drills and activities. These skills can then be taken forward and put into practice when attending school, further education and training or in the workplace.

The Phoenix Project has been run by the CFRS since 2002 and enhances young people’s self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit.

Dave Pilling, Phoenix Project manager said: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service commits itself to developing skills and these young people from Falmouth have shown great enthusiasm participating in all aspects of the programme. We continue to use the Phoenix Project to invest in young people across Cornwall. The fire service is able to use its reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to hone young people’s team work, communication and leadership skills.”

Chief fire officer Paul Walker added: "It’s great to see yet more young people learn not only how to become better communicators and leaders but to learn a very important fire safety message at the same time. Initiatives such as Phoenix help us to achieve safer communities from the ground up, which is the principal aim of the service."