PROUD parents and friends applauded as a fire training course for youngsters came to a climax at Hawkwell fire station.

In a first for Essex and possibly the UK, 12 teenagers with Down’s Syndrome celebrated passing a week-long Firebreak course with distinction.

Watched by about 60 friends and family, the youngsters put into action all they had learnt during the course.

Split into groups, they learnt basic first aid, how to use a hose and took part in a mock-rescue of a woman from the firefighters’ training tower.

At the end, they stood to attention in line and proudly received their certificates and medals.

This was the first time Essex Fire and Rescue Service had teamed up with a charity for the course, which is usually aimed at wayward or disadvantaged kids.

It was possibly the first time ever in the UK such a course, in partnership with the Essex charity Down Syndrome Extra 21, has taken place.

Parents watched with pride to see their youngsters, kitted out in firefighting gear, carry out their tasks successfully.

Eva Noga, 52, was in the crowd watching her 14-year-old son Adam.

She said: “It was wonderful. Adam really loved it and it has built up his self-confidence.

“It’s the best thing that’s happened to him in the past few years, Adam is really happy and the staff were wonderful.

Dad Karl, 60, added: “It was a brilliant effort by the fire service “It’s a great atmosphere. There’s nothing else like this at all.”

Adam said: “It was great. We did the fire rescue and I climbed the ladder.

“We also had a water fight and learnt first aid.

Donna McBride, Essex Fire youth development manager, pushed for the initiative to take place.

She said: “I wanted to highlight that these are extremely capable students.

“Hopefully, it may open the eyes of bigger organisations in terms of employment.

“They are so willing and able, so polite and hard-working and I’m so proud of them. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Tony Hedley, chairman of Essex Fire Authority, said: “I will do everything I can to make sure this is an annual event at least.”

Greg Stuttle, charity chairman, said: “It’s been a fantastic week.

“It’s been a real confidence-booster for so many of the kids.

“We feel very fortunate to have been invited to take part in this course.”