YOUNGSTERS had an action packed week and got the opportunity to try their hand at being firefighters in Salisbury.

The group of 12 to 16 year-olds from Splash Wiltshire were at Salisbury Fire Station last week as part of the Salamander programme.

The programme encourages participants to work as a team, while building up their confidence and self-esteem by using basic firefighter training.

As part of the programme the group were able to try out different activities including using the fire hose and experiencing road traffic collision rescue scenarios where victims had to be cut free from a car.

Yasmine Ellis, the education for all manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Salamander is a superb way to encourage self-confidence, teamwork and communication skills, and it’s great to see the participants develop and learn new skills as each day passes.

"We have been working with Splash for a while now, and it’s become a really good partnership. We are also very grateful to Serve On for their support and enthusiastic involvement during this course."

Splash Wiltshire is a registered charity, which supports young people between the ages of nine to 16 by organising activities free of charge during the school holidays to help develop and build their self confidence.

At the end of the week the group of youngsters showcased the skills they have learnt during a parade in front of their families.

They were also presented with a special certificate of achievement.

For more information about Splash Wiltshire go to splash-wiltshire.org.uk or call 01380 732 829.