THE future looks bright for a group of young people from Chester who have just completed a Prince’s Trust Programme led by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Eight team members who finished the 12-week scheme graduated in front of local dignitaries, fire service staff, family and friends at Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa Chester.

The team, who were all dressed in evening dress for the graduation, made speeches about their experience on the programme and how their lives had been changed.

The graduates were: Alex Jones; Billy Fenton; Bradley Bowyer; Catherine Marshall; Chantelle Johnson; Harley Davis; Kaledon Hardy; and Robbie Hughes.

Team member Nadine Holtom also graduated from the programme at a later date.

The team was supported by programme manager Stuart Baxter and assistant programme manager Jake Marriott.

Sean Barlow, The Prince's Trust project co-ordinator for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The team have faced many tasks and challenge over the last 12 weeks, but their confidence has grown and their skill set has been expanded. I would like to congratulate everyone on the team, not only for graduating, but for the way they have embraced new challenges and I wish them all the very best for in future.

“I would encourage anyone who is lacking in self-confidence or may be stuck in a bit of a rut, as to what direction their life needs to go next, to get in touch with the team leader and take advantage of this free programme.

"Over the last 12 weeks the group have learnt respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills as part of the programme. They have grown as individuals and now have clear aims and objectives in life."

The team took part in a number of activities during the programme which included:

  • Raising money for a community project by bag packing.

  • Health and safety and first aid courses.

  • Disability awareness training and driving safety course.

  • A four day team building event in Wales.

The Princes Trust programme is a free 12-week course giving young people aged 16 to 25 the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self-confidence.

The next team will be running in Ellesmere Port and starts on September 17 for 12 weeks. If anybody from the Ellesmere Port or Chester area is interested, or you know anyone aged between 16 and 25 who you think would benefit from the Prince's Trust programme, then call Jake Marriott, Prince’s Trust Assistant Programme Manager, on 07837 075 064 or Stuart Baxter, Prince’s Trust Programme Manager, on 07792 489 020