Youngsters get a nozzle for success in Week Of Action event

FIREFIGHTERS have engineered a series of fun-packed courses where youngsters get to be firefighters for three days.

The Crew 44 events have been organised as part of the Safer Communities backed Weeks Of Action, which are taking place during the first three weeks of the school holidays.

The events, organised by Humberside Fire and Rescue in conjunction with the North East Lincolnshire Council-led partnership, will be held at Strand Street Junior School from Tuesday, July 29 to Thursday, July 31, and at McAuley Street Junior School from Tuesday, August 5 to Thursday, August 7.

Courses will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm on each of the three days.

The events are being held as part of three consecutive weeks of action covering East Marsh, West Marsh and People's Park.

Safer Communities - the North East Lincolnshire Council-backed crime cracking partnership - will be bringing a range of education and entertainment to the area this summer holiday to help reduce anti-social behaviour and encourage community cohesion across the borough.

Other activities include a fun run, community barbecue, football and Wii competitions and media workshops. A provisional timetable of activities for the first two weeks of action is attached to this press release and is also available on the website www.nelincs.gov.uk/safercommunities/initiative

Crew 44 allows youngsters to don their own specially-made uniforms for the three days of activities.

The young firefighters are decked out in T-shirts, overalls and bump caps and able to drill on a real fire appliance.

They will also take part in workshops themed around healthy lifestyles, responsible behaviour and community safety and be conducting their own research into a local project.

Cllr Andrew De Freitas, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "I am delighted to welcome back the Crew 44 events. The smiles on the children's faces will be something to behold and the memories will last a long time."

Julie Ogley, the council's executive director for community care, said: "This is a superb example of groups working together for the future well-being of the East and West Marsh and People's Park. By inspiring these youngsters, we are giving the community the building blocks to really make something of their area, and to strive for excellence."

Ben Watcham, community safety officer for Humberside Fire and Rescue, said: "By asking schools to nominate pupils, we are giving this opportunity to pupils who really want to be a firefighter, and to learn about what we do.

"It's a great way of enhancing community spirit and teaching them how to work in a successful and inspirational team.

"The memories of this will last a long time and inspire them in their futures."