CAVING, bush craft and competitions were all part of the action when 29 Cheshire Fire Cadets from across Halton, Cheshire and Warrington went on a week-long residential to North Wales.

Young people aged 12 to 17 had a go at various activities including caving, raft building, archery and low ropes.

They also learnt about bush craft techniques at the Open Door Adventure camp in St Asaph.

They were joined by deputy chief fire cadet Elaine Gynp and leaders who plan to trek through the Himalayas to the village of Thulodhunga in Nepal to help with a school project.

Working with the charity Classrooms in the Clouds who have secured a plot of land above the village and arranged for villagers to build the school, the Cheshire group will prepare the building ready for the children to use.

Cadet manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Vicky Wrest, went on camp with the group.

She is also going to Nepal and said: “We all had a great time and took part in a number of games which involved friendly competitions and problem solving exercises.

“There was a serious element to the trip because the group who are going to Nepal in the October half term break needed to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the trip, which is going to be tough.

“They did really well and I now know that they will all be able to complete the trek to the village of Thulodhunga.”

In the evenings, cadets held camp fires, blindfolded night time walks and watched a demonstration by a falconer.

The week concluded with a variety show performance showcasing cadets’ acting skills.

Elaine Gynp said: “The facilities were amazing and the food was delicious .

“I met many new faces and made a lot of friends from units around Cheshire.

“We all had such a great week and my favourite activities were caving and the camp Olympics, where we all got wet.”

For more information about the trip to Nepal or to become a Cheshire fire cadet, visit cheshirefire.gov.uk.