A group of budding firefighters from Lawrence Weston showed off their skills yesterday as they qualified as cadets.

In the last three months, eight students from Lawrence Weston's Bristol Gateway School have been regular visitors to Avonmouth Fire Station for training. The course saw them learn the basics of firefighting while also building team spirit and self esteem.

The 13 and 14-year-olds were each assigned to a firefighter for tuition.

Avonmouth station manager Derrick Hone said: "Like every fire and rescue service , we are committed to using our skills, knowledge and training to better protect young people.

"Projects like FireSkills ensure we work with some of the most vulnerable young people in the community to make a real and long-term difference to their lives and those of others.