AFTER five months' hard slog, youths from Ashfield Young Offenders Institution were finally rewarded for their part in a new cadet scheme.

Five inmates took part in the Pucklechurch prison's first passing out parade for completing Avon Fire and Rescue's fire brigade cadets training course.

The cadets developed fire awareness by looking at fire incidents in a responsible manner and improved team building through military-style discipline.

Prison enrichment co-ordinator Ian Tyrrell said: "Programmes like this ensure the young people look at the consequences of their actions from an offending behaviour perspective."

The fire cadet scheme serves to raise the lads' awareness about setting mischief fires and aims to reduce the amount of fire-related incidents within the prison, as well as when they leave Ashfield.

Alan Middleton, from Avon Fire and Rescue, welcomed the chance to work behind the prison walls with the young people.

He said: "It may seem hard to believe, but increasingly our staff find themselves the victim of abuse when they visit some council estates.

"By running the cadets programme we aim to increase awareness of the affect that things such as hoax calls, lack of smoke alarms and abuse of fire fighters has on the community."

"We have certainly been impressed with the level of interest we have found at Ashfield," he added.

One young offender, known only as Dan, commented on the progress he had made thanks to scheme.

He said: "It has done wonders for my confidence."

Prison director Vicky O'Dea added: "The cadet programme is an excellent resettlement tool and has worked particularly well with our trainees. In addition to demonstrating that they are willing to take on responsibility, they have also acquired practical skills that will benefit their future."