Children from Pencalenick School are preparing for their passing out parade for completing a five-day fire safety course.

The course, organised by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service's Phoenix team, gives the youngsters training in hose running, marching, breathing apparatus operation, life skills and problem solving.

The Phoenix Project has been running since 2002 and organisers say it enhances young people's self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit.

Assistant chief fire officer Mark Hewitt said: "Cornwall Fire Rescue and Community Safety Service commits itself to developing skills for members of the local community.

"Our course staff are supportive, inspiring and passionate about what we do, therefore we create and inclusive learning environment for course attendees to realise their potential and ambitions.

"The participants on this course have worked extremely hard throughout this week to succeed and we are very proud to be able to work in partnership with Cornwall College."

Chief fire officer Paul Walker said: "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."

Councillor Sue James, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: "Training like this is an important investment in young people across Cornwall.

"I would also like to thank our fire service staff for supporting the young people in developing their skills."

The passing out parade will take place at Falmouth Community Fire Station on Friday (March 22).

For more information on the programmes offered by the Phoenix team, call 01326 318177.