A GROUP of young people from Ellesmere Port have just completed The Prince’s Trust Programme and celebrated their success at a graduation ceremony in Warrington.

The future now looks brighter for the team of 14, who joined a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service led The Prince’s Trust Programme 12 weeks ago.

They were required to complete a series of qualifications, tasks and challenges to enable them to graduate from the programme at Park Royal Hotel, Warrington.

The team, who were all dressed in evening dress, made speeches in front of local dignitaries, fire and rescue service staff, family and friends about their experience and how their lives had changed since joining the programme.

Graduating from the course was:

• Alisha Mullin

• Ben Briggs

• Ellie Williams

• Harry Blair

• Holly Dodd

• Jack Baines

• Jack Harris

• Johanna Dentith

• Joseph Stanton

• Keir Morrissey

• Lauryn Burke

• Molly Matthews

• Sean Boultbee

• Tyra Goodwin

The team was run by Programme Manager, Stuart Baxter and Assistant Programme Manager is Jake Marriott. Adam Fenley, Firefighter and Community Safety Apprentice also assisted with the team.

Sean Barlow, Youth Engagement Manager, said: "The team have faced many tasks and challenge over the last 12 weeks, but their confidence has grown and their skill set has been expanded. I would like to congratulate everyone on the team, not only for graduating, but for the way they have embraced new challenges and I wish them all the very best for in future.

“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 advantage of this free programme.”

Over the last 12 weeks the group have learnt respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills as part of the programme. They have grown as individuals and now have clear aims and objectives in life.

The team took part in a number of activities during the programme which included a four day team building event in Wales

The Princes Trust programme is a free 12-week course giving young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self-confidence.

The next team will be running in Ellesmere Port and starts on September 16.

If anybody from the Ellesmere Port or Chester area is interested, or you know anyone aged between 16 and 25 who you think would benefit from the Prince's Trust programme, then please call Jake Marriott, Prince’s Trust Assistant Programme Manager, on 07837 075 064 or Stuart Baxter, Prince’s Trust Programme Manager, on 07792 489 020.