GraduatesYoung people from Macclesfield are looking forward to a better future after graduating from a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service-led Prince's Trust Programme.

The graduation took place at Crewe Hall in Crewe and the team of nine all gave a two minute speech about their time on the course. This was presented in front of a packed audience of local dignitaries, family, friends and people who have helped and mentored them over the 12-week course.

The Programme Manager who ran the course over the 12 weeks was Emma Bibby-Cheshire and her assistant was Shelley Wilson.

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.

"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."

Graduating from the Macclesfield programme on the day were:

  • Vernon Bates
  • Sophie Edge
  • Matthew Hammond
  • Tom Litherland
  • Jordan Maton
  • Katelyn Mycock
  • Tom Paterson
  • James Thornton-Chan
  • Taylor Winstanley

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

  • Raising money for a community project by bag packing peoples shopping
  • Food Hygiene and first aid courses
  • Health and safety and driving awareness training
  • Week-long residential team building activities.

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-confidence.