Students from schools across Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy were given the opportunity to spend five days of work experience as a firefighter recently atMenaiBridgefire station.

Pupils from Wrexham and Flintshire also took advantage of the opportunity and spent their week at Mold fire station.

The two groups of youngsters, aged 14 and 15, all showed promise as future firefighters.

The week was a combination of both physical and theoretical sessions, incorporating various different tasks. The students undertook drills and practiced with ladders, hose and other equipment typically found on a fire appliance and backed up this practical knowledge with classroom based technical input.

During the week there was also a visit to the Joint Communications Centre where the issue of malicious calls and the unnecessary drain on resources was discussed.

The youngsters were also given a presentation by support staff in the organisation that allowed the students to experience the other duties of the fire and rescue service.

They also learnt about the importance of fire safety and the Service's emphasis on fire prevention.

The highlight of week was a celebration of achievement parade held for the students at the fire stations where the students were presented with a certificate in front of representatives from their schools, families and friends.

Gareth Griffiths, Senior Fire Safety Manager said: "We are extremely pleased to offer the young people ofNorth Walesthe opportunity to learn what a career in the Fire and Rescue Service involves. They have also been able to learn about the importance of fire prevention and we hope they will act as ambassadors, telling their friends and family all about the importance of keeping safe from fire.

He added: "It is nice to see young people working hard and gaining a lot from the experience."