A new branch of the National Fire Cadets led by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is to be established in Ruthin.

The National Fire Cadets is an educational youth organisation run by Fire and Rescue Services in partnership with the Chief Fire Officers Association.

The aim of the scheme is to create safer, stronger communities through developing an individual’s knowledge and awareness of their community to enhance citizenship skills. It also provides volunteer opportunities for adults to gain personal and professional development as lay instructors supporting the cadets.

The initiative provides an opportunity for young people between 13 and 18 to achieve national recognised qualifications such as a BTEC Level 2 in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community and vocational certificates of achievement in a variety of areas.

Young people are taught various skills including teamwork, problem solving and communication alongside enhanced life skills to strengthen their employability.

Watch Manager for Ruthin, Rikki Harden, will head up the latest branch in Ruthin, following the lead of colleagues at Amlwch, Beaumaris, Chirk, Conwy, Llanfairfechan, Prestatyn and Pwllheli who all run established cadet branches.

An open evening will be held at Ruthin Fire Station from 7pm on Tuesday 30th May where staff will be available to discuss the programme in further detail and answer any questions anyone might have.

Rikki Harden, Watch Manager at Ruthin Fire Station, said: “I am very excited to be heading a new cadet branch in Ruthin. The programme offers opportunities for young people to take part in the protection of our communities and to gain personal skills such as leadership, learning to work as a team and confidence, whilst earning nationally recognised qualifications.”

Jane Honey, Deputy Head of Community Safety, explains: "The fire cadet programme aims to engage young people and inspire them to become better citizens whilst helping them gain an understanding of their role in society. The programme focuses on personal development and on values such as honesty, integrity, mutual trust and respect.”

“Cadets are more aware of fire safety issues and engage in activities such as simulated drills, visits, competitions, community safety and fund raising events.”

"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.”

If you are interested in joining any of the cadet branches please visit our website at www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk

There are branches at the following fire stations

Amlwch – Monday evening

Beaumaris – Tuesday evening

Conwy – Monday evening

Chirk – Thursday evening

Llanfairfechan - Wednesday and Thursday evenings

Prestatyn – Wednesday evening

Pwllheli – Wednesday evening