A group of youngsters from across West Wiltshire spent this week at Warminster Fire Station taking part in a confidence building course.

The Salamander programme encourages participants to work as a team and builds up self-esteem.

The week involved fire-fighting skills with a hose, pumping appliances and hydrants, abseiling, ladder climbing, search and rescue, casualty care, road traffic collision rescue skills and water rescue.

Those taking part in the course, which ran from March 4-8, were referred for places by local authorities and schools, which also provides the funding.

Watch manager Chris Trimby said: “It’s something the fire service does regularly, showing students between the ages of 12-16 how to react to certain situations.

“At the end of the week the young people did a demonstration for parents, guardians and teachers and received a certificate.”

This is the second time that Warminster has hosted a Salamander course – the Fire & Rescue Service also runs sessions in Salisbury, Trowbridge and Swindon when funding is available.