FIREFIGHTER used to be top of the list for children asked what they wanted to be. So a call by Hackney fire cadets for youngsters aged 14 to 17 to become cadets might be a dream come true for some.

Not only is riding in a siren-blaring fire engine more exciting than many work-experience courses — “Can you photocopy this, please?” — it leads to qualifications.

Brigade cadets co-ordinator Sue Douglas told Loving Dalston: “The course runs for an academic year, giving cadets the opportunity to work towards a Btec level 2 in the fire-and-rescue service.

“The brigade can have a maximum of 16 cadets and the course is run by operational staff and community volunteers.”

Asked whether disabled children are welcome, she said: “We have all abilities on our courses.

“During the cadet nights we have physical and educational activities, as well as team-building and community awareness.”

The publicity picture above, shows cadets with instructors. Isn’t it great that young people will give up their time to help others?

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* Applicants must be available to train at Shoreditch Fire Station training centre,  235 Old Street EC1V 9EY, one Wednesday a week, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The course starts in September 2015. Contact: fire cadets co-ordinator Sue Douglas, 07795-542435, susan.douglas@london-fire.gov.uk

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