YOUNGSTERS are being invited to take part in a free emergency service course to learn a range of useful skills, including first aid and fire safety tips.

Those between the ages of 14 and 19 can apply to take part in the Blue Light emergency service course.

It will run for five days from Monday, February 17, to Friday, February 21, at Princes Risborough Fire Station.

Applicants will need to be able to attend each day between 10am and 4pm.

Funded by Buckinghamshire County Council through the North West Chilterns Local Area Forum, the course aims to provide young people with positive activities and career information for the future.

It includes input from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and St John Ambulance.

The area's Community Safety Coordinator, Kate Watson, said: “This course has proved very successful on the previous occasions it has been run. We are pleased to be able to offer other groups of young people this opportunity.

“Anyone participating in this course will have an educational but fun-packed time with us. They will be able to have a go at some practical firefighting skills such as hose-running and radio procedures, and learn how to create knots and lines.

“They will see demonstrations that show how easily a fire can take hold in the home environment, and learn what safety precautions firefighters recommend to people both at home and in the workplace. They will also see how we go about investigating the causes of fires and what happens if arson is suspected.

“Our partners will be on hand throughout the week to talk about police procedures, drug and alcohol awareness, and to teach some really useful first aid skills.

“This is a unique course, where the team of young people will be expected to work as a team, like our crews do every day. As a result they will develop skills such as communication and teamwork, which will stand them in good stead for the future, whether they aspire to a career in an emergency service or within the private sector.”

The course will also allow all of the attendees to gain a standard St John first aid qualification.

Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, although priority will be given to young people who live in the following parishes: Bledlow-cum-Saunderton, Bradenham, Ellesborough, Great and Little Hampden, Great and Little Kimble, Hughenden, Lacey Green, Longwick-cum-Ilmer and Princes Risborough.

Anyone wishing to take part should complete the application and consent form by clicking here as soon as possible and send it to Kate Watson at Brigade Headquarters, Stocklake, Aylesbury, HP20 1BD, or email it to kwatson@bucksfire.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, February 3.

Anyone who has previously attended the course is asked not to apply again as spaces are limited.