THE ISLE of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has won more than £42,000 government money to pilot a young firefighters' scheme in Ryde.

Based in the town's Brigade Training Centre in Nicholson Road, the scheme will be open to 20 young people aged 13-17 and will take place on a weekday evening.

Priority will be given to applications from young people living in the Ryde area. The fire service is working closely with Ryde High School and other youth schemes in the area.

Young firefighters will benefit from receiving training to a recognised national standard that will provide them with skills to take a positive role in their communities, improve their confidence and opportunities for later in life. They will be taught firefighting techniques and educated in the dangers of fire to encourage safe practices both in their home and within the community.

Activities will include structured training and coaching, team-building exercises and games, demonstrations trips and visits, competitions, etc. Included in the programme will be camping trips and outward bound-type activities.

Chief Fire Officer Richard Hards said: "We are very pleased to be able to start this scheme on the Isle of Wight and the Single Regeneration Budget funding has allowed us to achieve this aim. Our operational firefighters will be assisting in running this scheme on a voluntary basis and passing on their skills and abilities to assist young people in understanding the dangers of fire as well as encouraging them in a structured, disciplined way to work as a team.

"This scheme is not all work. There will be exciting, challenging activities that in some cases will involve travel either on the Island or the mainland. The Young Firefighters will be 'ambassadors' in their community and among their friends and family, in passing on the fire safety message. I look forward to the commencement of the scheme and welcoming the young people to the Fire Service."

The £42,400 grant will be spread over four years with £22,600 available in the first year to buy essential equipment and set up the scheme. The project is set to begin next April with applications invited in the new year.