Firecadets in the garden

10:30am Tuesday 20th February 2001

NINE firecadets who completed a seven week course at Kent Thameside fire station in Northfleet set to work clearing up their local area this week.

The cadets have benefited from a joint initiative between environment charity, Groundwork Thames-side, the Fire Brigade, Kent County Constabulary and Youth and Community to help tidy up the area around Miracles Youth Centre in King's Farm.

The cadets joined with officers from the organisations involved to clear away litter from the site by pruning shrubs and replanting flower beds.

Firecadets was the first course of its kind to be run in Gravesham and was supported by the Community Development Alliance.

The initiative worked with young people and has been proved successful in reducing the number of hoax calls and arson attacks in other areas.

The children on the course learn not just practical skills but also develops self-esteem as well as team spirit. For more details of how Groundwork works call 01322 287727.