STUDENTS tried out team-building activities with a group of firefighters.

Teenagers from schools across the district, aged between 14 and 17, were given the opportunity to learn skills that can be applied in different ways throughout their lives, as part of a Firebreak course.

They took part in challenging and fun exercises with Braintree Fire Station to test their endurance levels and their ability to work alone and as part of a team.

The activities on the five-day course included pitching ladders, building dams, wearing breathing apparatus and learning how to perform emergency first aid.

James Martin, Greenfields’ positive engagement co-ordinator, carries out various projects with local partners to engage young people and is proud that this particular project is in its third successful year.

He said: "The highly-interactive programme is aimed at those engaging in negative behaviour, but can also be very worthwhile for anyone needing support and direction in terms of interaction and communication skills.

"It’s great seeing them having fun and working together to tackle the tasks; and how proud they feel when they attend the passing out parade with their loved ones.

"A special thanks goes to Braintree Fire Station and the participating schools and their students."

Greenfields’ positive engagement programme aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and increase self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and a sense of achievement in young people.