23 November 2007

Fourteen pupils from Mandeville Upper School in Aylesbury are currently spending the day with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service as part of a national celebration of the importance of young people in our society.

It's called 11 Million Takeover Day, and involves businesses and organisations across the country demonstrating their commitment to children and young people for the day.

The seven boys and seven girls from year 9 were selected by their peers in recognition of their positive attitude and hard work at school.

After a health and safety briefing, the pupils were put through their paces by trainers Watch Manager Alex Strand and Firefighter Libby Boyden, assisted by community safety team members Angie Daly, Jo Oliver, Pete Jones, Christine Duncan, Terry Ridgley, Paul McShane and Ali Angus.

Headteacher Peter Patchett came along to encourage them, and schools liaison officer PC Graham Brigginshaw to provide additional support.

This morning's session is taking place at Aylesbury Fire Station, then it’s over to Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Training School in Haddenham for lunch and more exercises.

Angie Daly, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s safety education manager, said: “The object of the day is to help them understand what a firefighter’s job is all about.”

Part of this morning's session has been filmed by BBC South Today for possible transmission later today.