YOUNG people who graduated from a Prince’s Trust Programme are to become firefighter and community safety apprentices with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The team of 12 who were all dressed in black tie for the occasion gave a two minute speech at a celebration graduation ceremony.

A specially designed 12-week programme provided the group with an opportunity to gain qualifications and gave them an insight into the importance of supporting the community and working as a team.

Andrea Harvey, director of transformation at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "I would like to congratulate everyone on the team for completing this programme and making a difference in the local community.

“I know they have all worked extremely hard to achieve this goal and they should be very proud.

“I look forward to seeing them develop and become trainee firefighters in the future.”

The graduates will now experience in different fire and rescue service departments including operational training over the next 21 months.

The new apprentices include Adam Fenley, Ben Burgyone, David Kirk, Ellie Ditchfield, Jonathan Dutton-Guiver, Louie Burton, Matthew Scanlon, Oliver Myers, Olivia Lovatt, Sean Coles, Shaun McCloskey and Tomos Avis.

For more information about being a firefighter and community safety apprentice visit cheshirefire.gov.uk.