MALVERN'S pioneering Young Firefighters Association is coming of age, already having spawned a similar group in North Worcestershire and successfully seeing its second batch of recruits through basic training.

Eight recruits commenced their training in October last year and gave a display of the skills they learned last Saturday (February 24), at a passing out parade at Malvern Fire Station.

Five of the new recruits being awarded certificates hail from Dyson Perrins CE High School, two from The Chase and one from the Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School.

Amelia Eiriksson, Helen Hammond, Amy Laver, Amy Pritchard, Glynn Purnell, Adam Thomas, Steven Tyrrell and Dominic Watson took part in five drills, including simulated house and car fires and a ladder drill.

They were joined for the grand finale by existing members, who passed out last year, and gave a display using jets from the hoses to create patterns of water.

"I joined because it was a good opportunity to try something new," said Rebecca Pritchard, a Year Nine pupil at Dyson Perrins. "It was fun but nerve-racking."

The most spectacular drill was an Angel Fall, performed by 13-year-old Helen Hammond. This involved climbing around 20 feet up a triple-extension ladder, looping her legs over the rungs, letting go with her hands and leaning backwards.

Upon completion of the basic training, recruits are awarded certificates and full parade uniforms, complete with caps and epaulets.

The Malvern Young Firefighters' Association began in January 2000, with the aim of giving youngsters aged 13-17 an insight and understanding of the work of the fire service. Since then, the Malvern programme has been a great success and has led to a similar scheme being set up in Droitwich.

"It really helps with teamwork and confidence," said Steven Tyrell, who also attends Dyson Perrins.

There was general agreement among the new recruits that the scheme also helped with strength, as there is a lot of physical effort involved. Various aspects of firefighting are covered, including simulated car fires using smoke bombs, as well as hose and ladder exercises and training in the use of breathing apparatus.

Last year, the group embarked on numerous activities, including abseiling and scuba diving. They also helped local disabled people around Worcester so that they could do their Christmas shopping.

Future plans for include rock climbing, potholing, as well as work in the local community fitting smoke alarms and promoting fire safety at events such as fetes. A summer camp is planned for later in the year and the group will also be displaying in the main arena at the Three Counties Show in June.

The Malvern group has been influential in the setting up of the Droitwich Young Firefighters scheme. Instructors from Droitwich came to see the Malvern group in action, and there are plans for some joint ventures between the two in the future.

Malvern Station Officer Ian Seward said the fire service as a whole had definitely benefited from the scheme.

"It's been very popular," he said, "It's helped to get the message to the younger generation as to what the fire service is all about".

Station Officer Seward said they were hoping to recruit again in July, if they had space.

"We don't get enough people leaving, that's the trouble!" he said.