Graduates A group of young people from Ellesmere Port graduated a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service-led Prince's Trust programme at an awards ceremony held at Chester Town Hall.

The team of eight, who were all dressed in black tie and evening dresses for the celebration, gave a two minute speech about their time on the course. The speeches were in front of a packed audience of local dignitaries, family, friends and people who have helped and mentored them over the 12 week course.

Project Manager was Nichola Griffiths and assistant Programme Manager was Paul Barratt.

Tamsen Lesko, Prince's Trust Project Co-ordinator for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This course is another example of how the Service provides value to the community. A lot of the young people on the course have few or no qualifications and have become disengaged, leading to social problems.

"Over the last 12 weeks these young people have learnt respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills. 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 at a local supermarket

• Food Hygiene and first aid courses 

• Disability awareness and assertiveness sessions

• Week-long team building event in North Wales

The Prince's Trust programme is a 12 week course giving young people between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self confidenc