PUPILS from Middlewich have gained qualifications from the UK’s first ever course run by a fire and rescue service.

A group of 13 pupils from Middlewich High School were on the two-year Prince’s Trust XL Programme with the aim of gaining a certification to be proud of at the end of it.

The course is designed for 13 to 19-year-olds and run by the youth engagement team at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who went into the school for one day a week to work with pupils.

The Middlewich High pupils who gained the XL qualification are: Liam Clarke, Jacob Corbett, Aaron Coutts, Declan Cribb, Lauren Fry, William Gilfillan, Jade Griffiths, Ben Jackson, Brenden Macken, Debbie McGowan, Bradley Morley, Connor Sims and Sophie White.

The club supported the young people in developing the skills and confidence needed to progress into a positive future.

Sean McCormick, youth support worker for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This unit based programme is an alternative education scheme which is spread over two years. The young people select from a number of modules and carry out tasks to demonstrate how they have learnt those skills.

“During the XL course the young people had fun and tried new activities to develop the skills to help them finish their education, go to college or get a job. The clubs follow an informal programme, which provide young people with the chance to get involved in five different activity areas.

“I’m really proud to have been able to work with these young people and make a difference to their lives. They have gained a qualification that will stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to do in the future.”

The areas the youngsters can develop skills in include teamwork, personal development, participation in sport, and the world of work.

Mark Edwards, Middlewich High School deputy head teacher, said: "Many thanks to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for their excellent work with our pupils, who have all successfully achieved their certification in The Prince's Trust XL course.

"The course has offered our students a unique opportunity to work alongside professionals in a real-life context.

"The course leaders have been outstanding role models for our students and this has helped develop their emotional intelligence. Our students have graduated from the course as responsible young adults, equipped to progress to their next stage of education and workplace.

"We look forward to working with Sean and his team with our next cohort of XL club."