A new branch of the Young Firefighters Association (YFA) youth organisation led by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been established in Pwllheli.

The YFA  is a youth organisation run by Fire and Rescue Services, in partnership with the Fire Services Youth Training Association (FS-YTA), which is a registered charity staffed by dedicated professional youth workers.

The new YFA branch was formed at the end of 2013, and this week local youngsters and their friends and families headed to the station for the celebration of achievement parade for the first intake of six cadets.

The YFA is open to young people aged between the ages of 11 and 17 and the Pwllheli branch is headed up by firefighter Neil Shilvock. He is following the lead of colleagues at Amlwch, Beaumaris, Chirk, Conwy, Holyhead, Llanfairfechan and Prestatyn who all run established YFA branches.

Terry Williams, Head of Community Safety, for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, explained: "Reducing fire deaths and injuries is more than just providing an efficient emergency response service. It is about education to prevent the type of behaviour which leads to a fire developing in the first instance.

"The YFA aims to engage young people and inspire them to become better citizens through the positive ethos of the Fire and Rescue Service together with giving them an understanding of their role in society. YFA Cadets become more aware of fire safety issues as part of their role as a cadet, and engage in activities such as simulated drills, visits, competitions, community safety and fund raising events. We're thrilled a new branch has been opened in Pwllheli and we've been impressed by the hard work put in by Neil and his colleagues and the positive response from youngsters in the local community."

One of the new cadets, Dewi Williams, aged 13 from Pwllheli says he feels he has benefitted from joining the organisation. He said: "I really enjoy being part of the YFA - we do lots of different things and I've learnt a lot about how important it is to work as a team as well as about the dangers of fire in the home."

Neil Shilvock, YFA Instructor at Pwllheli, added: "The response from the local community has been great and we're looking to recruit more cadets at the beginning of next month.

"We meet every Wednesday evening - if you're interested in joining us, just let us know!"

Neil can be contacted on 07732590920 - alternatively please contact Sharon Bouckley, YFA Coordinator on 01745 352 693.