A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol y Preseli has successfully completed the Phoenix Project.

Held at Whitland Fire Station over the course of a week, nine students and two members of staff took part in a range of fire service activities such as hose running, using ladders and search and rescue.

Supported by a dedicated team, the youngsters learned valuable life skills such as coping under pressure, working as part of a team and dealing with demanding tasks. By the end of the week they gained a valuable insight into the role of the firefighter and the activities within the fire service.

The course also helps improve a young person’s self esteem, academic performance and communication skills, as well as teach them about the negative impacts of hoax calling, arson and anti social behaviour.

The Phoenix Project is run by Pembrokeshire Command and Service Youth Team. It is accredited by Agored Cymru. Three QALL (Quality Assured Lifelong Learning) units are completed throughout the week and recorded in the Phoenix Project workbook.

The week concluded with the students demonstrating their skills to an audience and being presented with their certificates by County Councillor Wynne Evans, the chairman of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority Resources Committee.

Cllr Evans said: “The Phoenix Course was piloted by Pembrokeshire county command fire service and rolled out across Wales some years ago. The purpose is far more than just awareness of fire safety, but team building and working together.

“I feel every young person gains so much self esteem when they complete the Phoenix Course.”