Grappling with fire hoses, running up ladders and saving victims with rope hoists.

Pupils from Notley High School got to grips with being firefighters for five days last week by taking part in a specially-organised scheme by the Essex fire service for teenagers.

The youth intervention programme, named Firebreak, targets youngsters at Key Stage 4 level, aged between 13 and 17, and aims to promote a culture of safety and citizenship by providing a range of vital life skills while also learning about various disciplines within the fire service.

See Thursday's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.