Ten students from Helston Community College 'passed out' on Friday during a ceremony at the town’s fire station.

The parade marked the end of a five-day Phoenix Project course and during the ceremony, held in front of family and friends, the group will show off their newly learned firefighting techniques, including hose running.

Run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service since 2002, the Phoenix Project aims to improve 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 for every child and these young people from Helston College have shown great enthusiasm in all aspects of the course.

“As a fire service, we are able to use our reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to hone young people’s team work, communication and leadership skills.”

He added that the students had been working “extremely hard” to gain a Phoenix Project certificate and a qualification from ASDAN, an organisation that offers programmes that specifically develop learning skills and make participants more employable.

A countywide initiative, the Phoenix Project is aimed at students between the ages of 13 and 17. Working with firefighters, students are given a taste of firefighting through hose running, wearing breathing apparatus and marching. They are also challenged with problem solving and learn teamwork, life skills and fire safety.