YOUNG people from Winsford have graduated from a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service-led Prince’s Trust programme.

Eight members of the team were honoured at a graduation ceremony at Vale Royal Abbey, and all gave two-minute speeches about their time on the 12-week course to a packed audience including dignitaries, family, friends, and mentors.

The graduates were Jordon Barlow, Rebekah Latham, Adam Sutton, Mark Latham, Liam Berry, Kieran Gibson, Dylan Smith, and Steven Norcross.

Mary Crozier, on a placement from John Moores University, also graduated from the programme. Assistant programme manager for the team was Jenny Pye, assisted by community safety and fire apprentice Zach Burns.

Sean Barlow, Prince’s Trust project co-ordinator the service, said: “I would like to congratulate the team on their graduation and wish them all the very best for the future.”

“I hope that they will now fulfil their ambitions and go on to live happy and fulfilled lives.

“I would encourage anyone who is lacking in self-confidence or may be stuck in a bit of a rut, as to what direction their life needs to go next, to get in touch with the team leader and take advanced of this free programme.”

The course, free for those aged 16 to 25, focuses on teaching respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills.

Activities during the programme included raising money for a community project by bag packing, courses in food hygiene, health and safety, first aid, disability awareness and driving, and a week-long teambuilding event in Wales.

The next course runs from May 29. Call programme manager Nichola Griffiths on 07717654686 or head to cheshirefire.gov.uk for more information.