Local youngsters from St Joseph’s Catholic & Anglican High School and Rhosensi School, Wrexham took part in North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's innovative Phoenix course last week.

The Phoenix project is a course designed to assist in redirecting the energy of young people towards productive and worthwhile activities that will assist in the integration of the individuals with their peers and their communities.

The Phoenix Team worked in partnership with North Wales Police on the course, who supported the project by including two PSCO’s within the team.

Pam Roberts, Phoenix Coordinator, said: "The Fire and Rescue Service has a powerful draw for young people, which gives us the opportunity to try and influence behaviour.

“The Phoenix project offers a unique experience to build on qualities we as a Service work towards such as respect, communication and trust.

“We are teaching our usual important safety topics of fire safety in the home, hoax calls and road safety, but have also taken the opportunity to cover the dangers of fireworks and attending an organised bonfire display. They are also carrying out firefighter activities to teach them teamwork, communication, trust and respect.

“Skills learnt during the week are demonstrated at a ceremony of achievement with attendance of a Principal Officer, Fire Authority members, parents, guardians and staff from the school.    

“The aim of the course is to assist the youngsters in becoming more motivated and positive about themselves, which in turn has the effect of making them better citizens.

"We are hoping that these young people will feel that they have gained something positive from the Phoenix project and feel that it will be of benefit to them in the future.”