YOUNG Borderers who are part of the TD1 Youth Hub have completed a Fire Skills course at Galashiels firestation over the summer.

The aim of the initiative, run by Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, was to help the youngsters learn about the role of a firefighter through working with fire equipment.

They also learnt about water, road and fire safety and received advice on teamwork, leadership, communication and basic life support skills delivered in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

They then successfully completed a practical demonstration, rescuing an injured person from a burning car and all received a certificate for their efforts.

David Farries, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer for the Scottish Borders, said: "This innovative project provides the young people involved with life skills which will hopefully help them gain employment.

"It also highlights the role of the firefighter which now involves a huge range of activities alongside putting out fires."

The programme was arranged with help from SBC’s Children and Young People’s Services.

Executive Member for Education, Councillor Sandy Aitchison, added: "It is fantastic to see these young people being shown the various roles which a firefighter can be required to undertake every day.

"This initiative involved SBC’s Community Learning and Development team who look to support the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership aim of reducing inequalities by providing learning opportunities that result in improved life chances and more resilient communities. This project ticks both of these boxes."

Douglas Ormston, TD1 Youth Hub Manager, also added: "We have been delighted to work in partnership with colleagues in Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to offer what has been a fantastic opportunity for the young people.

"Through this innovative partnership we have seen the young people become more confident, resilient and optimistic for the future and their perspectives broadened through new experiences and thinking.

"We have been able to see first-hand the development of local young people involved in this programme which demonstrates that youth work changes lives."

The Co-op store in Kelso was also thanked for donating food for the course.