Carl Sargeant  AM, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children visited Denbigh fire station today to witness first-hand how pupils from local schools benefitted from attending North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s innovative Phoenix course this week.

The Phoenix course is designed to assist in redirecting the energy of young people towards productive and worthwhile activities that will assist in their integration with peers and communities.

Skills learnt during the week were demonstrated at a ceremony of achievement attended by Carl Sargeant  AM, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Senior Officers from the Service, Fire Authority members, parents, guardians and staff from Denbigh High School and Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The Fire and Rescue Service has a powerful draw for young people, which gives us the opportunity to attempt to positively influence behaviour.

“The Phoenix project offers a unique experience to build on qualities we as a Service work towards such as respect, communication and trust.

“The week has involved a blend of classroom learning where the youngsters were taught consequences of actions, then drill yard activity where we promote working together as a team, assessing risk and adhering to instructions.

“The aim of the course is to assist the youngsters in becoming more motivated and positive about themselves, which in turn has the effect of making them better citizens.

"We are hoping that these young people will feel that they have gained something positive from the Phoenix project and that it will be of benefit to them in the future.”

Carl Sargeant  AM, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children said:  “I am very pleased to see the Phoenix project do such excellent work with young people. Programmes like this boost confidence and instil positive attitudes and more socially responsible behaviours in the young people taking part. They raise awareness of the dangers of fire, helping to keep everyone safe. I congratulate all the young people on completing the course and hope it will help them to build their skills and self confidence.”