Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has installed six nest boxes in the trees around the building in Bolton Road, Swinton.

The idea came about to support National Nest Box Week which has been running over the past week (February 14 to 21).

Many small birds are in decline due to various factors including the weather and changes in the amount of daylight - so GMFRS is playing its part in helping these birds to survive.

GMFRS Environment Manager Sam Pickles said: "The natural nests that many small garden birds depend on are disappearing so the birds are in decline.

"We hope that by installing these next boxes on our site we will attract a range of small garden birds such as Blue Tits and Great Tits to the boxes, providing a place from them to build their nests and raise their young.

"This scheme also demonstrates our commitment as a fire service to promoting and enhancing biodiversity across our estate."

Fire stations are also being encouraged to install nest boxes on their sites in the trees surrounding the stations. 

Since National Nest Box Week was launched in 1997, thousands of enthusiasts have put up nest boxes in their gardens and it is estimated that there are now five to six million boxes in gardens across the UK.

In Monday night's episode of the ITV1 soap, a small fire started in the home of young parents Chesney Brown and Katy Armstrong after little Faye Windass took her eye of a tray of potato waffles she had put under the grill. 

The youngster got herself locked out of the house, with Chesney and Katy's new-born baby Joseph trapped inside as smoke and fumes billowed from the kitchen. 

Luckily the smoke alarms sounded and Katy's father Owen Armstrong rushed into the property to rescue the baby before the fire took hold. 

As part of Cooking Fire Safety Month, which runs throughout February, GMFRS is urging residents to be extra careful with cooking and kitchen appliances - and Coronation's Street latest storyline just goes to show how easily a fire can start. 

To coincide with this campaign, GMFRS has offered to provide free Home Safety Checks for all the cast of Corrie who live in the Greater Manchester area so they can protect themselves and their families in their own homes, as well as their fictional ones on the famous cobbled street.  

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "A great deal of our work as a fire service these days is centred around prevention work and raising awareness of fire safety in the community.  

"The storyline in Coronation Street is a perfect example of how easily a fire can start when food is left unattended and in this case the characters had a lucky escape - we regularly deal with incidents which have far more severe consequences.  

"Unfortunately more than half of accidental fires in the home start because of something to do with cooking, therefore we would urge everyone to have a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, by calling 0800 555 815.

"If you follow our simple advice for safety in the home you will also reduce your chances of a fire, and this can be found on our website by visiting /fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety.aspx."

Authority members met to agree the budget for 2012-13 and agreed to freeze its precept on council tax and make savings of £6.5m.

Chairman of the Authority Councillor David Acton said: "There's no question about it, we are fighting for our resources as we are facing unprecedented cuts in our budget. Savings made last year and reductions planned for the future currently total £19m over a four year period. If nothing changes with the current grant situation, there could be a further £10m to save in the next few years.

"So far we have managed to achieve this without closing fire stations and without the need for compulsory redundancies. But if the national grant formula doesn't alter, then there will be a difficult road ahead."

The Fire Service has already reduced staff by 400 through the loss of 300 uniformed posts and 100 support roles. Further savings will be made through a range of measures outlined in its Operational Strategy and in how frontline emergency service is delivered, including a new rostering system at stations.

The Fire Authority is taking advantage of a Government grant being offered to those local authorities setting a zero increase in their council tax. By doing this, they hope to lighten the burden faced by the public during the current time of austerity.

In a bid to prevent further large scale cuts, Fire Authority members from all political parties unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern about the current situation and appealing for a fairer Government grant settlement in future.

Cllr Acton said: "We have already made significant reductions over the past few years and our budget agreed today will save an additional £6.5m.

"We know everyone is facing hardship which is why we have agreed this without any additional burden on council tax payers.

"We have been doing everything we can to lobby for the change in the current national grant formula and we will continue to do so. We want the formula to take into account the different challenges faced by Metropolitan Fire Authorities like Greater Manchester compared to the more rural areas. We are not asking for anything other than a fairer settlement.

"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority is working really hard to provide the best possible service to the communities of Greater Manchester within the resources we have."

To coincide with this year's Valentine's Day, agencies from across Greater Manchester are coming together to tackle the issue which can often be hidden behind closed doors and is difficult for victims to talk about.

GMFRS Borough Manager Ian Bailey joined representatives from partner agencies in Bolton this week to sign a giant Valentine's Day card in a bid to highlight the issue.

The card, which measures 84 x 59cm, was unveiled at the One Stop Shop in Bolton Town Hall on Monday (February 13).

Ian Bailey (pictured on the back row) said: "I felt it was really important for all members of partner agencies to show their support for this campaign. As a fire and rescue service we sometimes come into contact with people who have suffered one of the most extreme forms of domestic abuse which is the threat of arson. The impact that has upon someone is devastating."

Proclaiming 'Love Shouldn't Hurt', the card has been signed by various agencies responsible for tackling the causes and consequences of domestic abuse, including Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council, Bolton Probation Trust, Bolton Victim Support, Paws for Kids/Safe Haven, Fortalice Women's Refuge, Bolton at Home and GMFRS.

The campaign aims to highlight that for victims of domestic abuse, Valentine's Day is a day like any other, when they live in fear of a violent partner.

The event forms part of a wider domestic abuse campaign called 'End The Fear' and more information on this campaign can be found at www.endthefear.co.uk

If you are suffering abuse and need help, call 999 for immediate assistance, or the new national non-emergency number 101.

Representatives from the Service joined an audience of 200 people for a live debate about unemployment with Victoria Derbyshire, a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The programme was broadcast live on radio, TV and the internet, via Radio 5 Live, the BBC News Channel and the BBC News website.

Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O'Reilly was among those who were in the audience and was keen to highlight the work the Fire Service is doing with young people to give them skills and experiences that could help them find a job.

Speaking live on the show, he said: "Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service over the last two years have had over 1,000 young people through its schemes and provided them with over 2,000 recognised qualifications to make them employable.

"The Fire and Rescue Service right across the UK is doing exactly the same thing.

"Next year we are going to increase the schemes we provide for young people (to help them with CV skills, interview skills, finding work placements and how to make themselves more employable to the employers of Greater Manchester) from 18 to 21."

Victoria Derbyshire replied: "We didn't know about that. That's really interesting."

Some of the young people who have gained skills and opportunities through Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were also part of the programme.They included Alex, 19, who had taken part in a GMFRS-run Prince's Trust course. He told the show: "I have been out of work for six months but through the Fire Service I have a job as a lifeguard."

The Prince's Trust course is just one of the projects being run by GMFRS for young people. Over a 12 week period, young people aged 16-24 receive careers advice, work placements, a week of team building activities and a series of community based projects. Fore more information about the whole range of projects, visit the Service's website: /community_work.aspx

Catch Peter O'Reilly's interview on this morning's show here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17043301

Tying in with Cooking Fire Safety Month and with the aim of keeping romantic candle lit dinners safe, the Community Safety Team manned a candle safety information stand in Claremont's Co-op.

Romantics were advised never to leave candles unattended and told they should always place them on a heat resistant surface in a proper candle holder. 

For more candle safety tips visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety/candle_safety.aspx

Later that day, Red Watch at Agecroft took part in SNAP activities in Claremont's Height Library.

Fireman Sam read to children and Red Watch also offered home fire safety tips to parents before giving the youngsters a tour of the fire engine and the equipment on board.

Watch Manager Dave Campbell said: "The children really seemed to enjoy learning about the fire engine and fire safety.  One or two of them even made the siren noise while they were inside the fire engine!"

GMFRS join partners including Greater Manchester Police and the Probation Service in SNAP week (Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Project) which is led by Salford City Council.  It aims to bring people together to focus on local problems and clean up areas while targeting criminal activity over a week of action.

Follow SNAP news on twitter #SNAPweek

The five to seven-year-olds wanted to learn about fire safety and after Station Manager Ian Duckworth was contacted by them, Watch Manager John Wildman and Firefighter Tony Carroll agreed to help.

The girls learnt about what Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service do and the clothes firefighters wear to keep them safe. 

Spending over an hour at the station, they were also shown the fire engines and the equipment on board before learning about the importance of having a working smoke alarm and an escape plan.

Rainbow leader, Bluebell Jutta Payton said: "The girls were captivated and really interested in learning about the work firefighters do.  It was part of our topic learning about different jobs and there could be 30 future firefighters now, because they all really enjoyed the visit!"

While carrying out a Home Safety Check and fitting a smoke alarm for people with impaired hearing, Community Safety Manager Mick Cryer smelt gas in their kitchen. 

Susan and Alan Brown from Rochdale are both profoundly deaf, so Mick had taken Community Safety Advisor Wendy Hall with him, who is studying sign language at Stockport College.

Having handed out GMFRS safety advice leaflets, Wendy used sign language and finger spelling to alert the couple to the British Gas emergency number.

Crew Manager Cryer said: "Susan had shut their Yorkshire terrier Penny in the kitchen while we fitted the smoke alarm.  When we had finished the Home Safety Check and I opened the kitchen door, I could smell the gas.

"Susan and Alan hadn't smelt it, but I could.  It sometimes takes a new nose, and I know you don't always smell it yourself, but my keen nose could."

Community Safety Advisor Wendy Hall said: "I was able to finger spell to Susan and Alan telling them that we thought they should contact the gas board and not turn lights on or cook.  The next day, Susan texted Mick explaining that he was right and there had been a gas leak!"

Susan, who went deaf after suffering from pneumonia when she was just three months old, used her text phone to contact British Gas who found a hole in the gas pipe which was fixed.

Signing to Wendy, Alan, who can lip read and went deaf at the age of three, said: "We are so lucky.  I smoke a pipe and if I had lit my pipe or if we were cooking, there might have been an explosion." 

Explaining using a text phone, Susan wrote: "We are happy! Fire alarm OK and the gas leak now fixed! Thankfully we are safe.  I'm so pleased Wendy could sign to us."

Crew Manager Cryer said: "There was snow on the ground and during a cold snap, gas pipes can freeze and fracture.  I've been with GMFRS for 29 years and it only takes a heating timer clock to kick in, a lit cigarette or gas cooker and the consequences can be catastrophic.

"With Wendy's help we were able to tell Susan and Alan that some of their sockets were overloaded. The deaf alarm will be their first defence from fire too."

Explaining how deaf alarms work, Wendy said: "They look like all smoke alarms but they work by wi-fi.  Sensors alert deaf people to fire using strobe lighting.  Flat sensors can be left under a pillow at night and if they detect smoke, they vibrate."

If you have a hearing difficulty you can get a smoke alarm which uses a strobe light and vibrating pads. Alternatively consider linking the alarm system, which can alert you of any danger.

In the event of a fire, if it is difficult for you to call 999 yourself, ask a neighbour to do it for you.
If you have specialist equipment, such as a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000.

/fire_safety_advice/fire_safety_advice_disabled.aspx

/media/74143/emergencysms-lr.pdf

The station works in partnership with Churches Together in Radcliffe, local police and volunteers to run the café - a weekly youth club for people aged 11 to 16.

It was announced during the official opening on Thursday, February 2, that the centre has already helped to cut anti-social behaviour in the area by 51 per cent.

More than 70 people attended the VIP launch, including White Watch Manager Gary Wilkinson; Mayor of Bury, Councillor Yvonne Creswell; the Bishop of Bolton, the Right Reverend Chris Edmondson; and Debra Green, national director of ROC.

The centre offers a range of activities, including computer games, pool, table-tennis, air hockey, board games and crafts, from 6.30pm to 9pm on Thursdays.

The new Radcliffe centre is an extension of the existing ROC café in Bury.

Whitefield Station Manager Dave Fraser-Jones said: "The Bury ROC café has been an established part of Bury Fire Station for a number of years. The crews engage and socialise with the young people on a regular basis and it's also an opportunity for us to educate them in our risk reduction themes and safety initiatives.

"As a result of this we decided to be actively involved in the ROC café in Radcliffe due to the on going success we've already been a part of in Bury. The sessions will be attended by the local crews on a regular basis in order for us to develop an effective relationship with the youth population in the Radcliffe area.

"Blue and White Watch from Whitefield have already attended and visits are planned for Amber watch which will hopefully build on the community involvement for Whitefield Fire Station along with a number of other initiatives."

Pictured is Watch Manager Gary Wilkinson from White Watch, with representatives from partner agencies at the official opening of the new Radcliffe ROC café.

Firefighters are asking people to use the items with caution following the incident as part of the advice they are giving out for Cooking Fire Safety Month.

A crew from Mossley Fire Station went to the woman's home on Beech Avenue the day after the incident when her daughter called GMFRS.

Firefighters discovered that an 85-year-old woman had burned her foot, bedding and carpet after using a wheat bag.

The woman dealt with the small fire herself and threw the bag out of her bed when she realised there was a problem, which is how it burned the carpet.

The heat was such that not only did it burn the carpet but scorched the floorboards underneath as well.

It was reported to the fire service on January 19, after the pensioner was visited by her district nurse and the nurse saw the blister from the burn to her foot.

The wound was treated by the nurse and she did not go to hospital for treatment to the wound.

It was the pensioner's daughter that reported the incident to GMFRS.

Wheat bags heated in microwave ovens can be used to give relief to aching joints and muscles and stay warm for quite some time - but they must be used with care.

Watch Manager Graham Singleton, based at Mossley Fire Station said: "Had the woman not woken and been able to deal with this fire, we could be talking about a far more serious incident.

"A product that absorbs and stores heat in this way is a potential fire risk. For this reason it is vital to follow manufacturers' instructions and ensure that wheat bags are in good condition so they pose less of a danger."

Do…

• Buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions from the manufacturer, and follow them.
• Buy bags which include manufacturers' contact details if you have a problem.
• Only use as a heat pack for direct application to the body.
• Ensure your microwave turntable is working properly.
• Watch for signs of overuse, such as a smell of burning or charring.
• Leave bags to cool in a safe area and on a noncombustible surface like a kitchen sink.

Don't….

• Use a wheat bag as a bed-warmer.
• Overheat the bag.
• Reheat the bag until it has completely cooled - which may take up to two hours.
• Leave the microwave oven unattended when heating.
• Put the bag away for storage until it has cooled.
• Use the bag if you see evidence of problems.

The group is taking part in the Prince's Trust with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service and part of the programme includes doing work in the community and gaining work experience.

GMFRS runs a 12-week programme with the trust to help unemployed people in that age group to gain skills, experience and confidence that should help them work towards gaining employment.

Weeks three to five of the programme see the group taking part in a community project - this could be painting and decorating or gardening.

The team will raise funds to provide materials and then do the work themselves.

Tameside Prince's Trust Team Leader Emma Sercombe said: "Ideally, we are looking for a project that will take a team of 15 young people about 10 days to complete and it has to be of benefit to the whole community we're doing it for."

During weeks seven and eight, the participants are on work placements to give them valuable experience.

Emma said: "Companies won't receive payment for it but shouldn't be out of pocket as they will not be expected to cover any of the costs of our young people.

"Placements are always very varied and so far the young people we have interviewed are interested in everything from factory work to retail and childcare to admin."

In weeks 10 and 11, they complete a team challenge where they must show their caring skills and may include arranging a day out for people or attending a day centre and putting on some entertainment.

Emma said: "We would be really interested in hearing from any groups or businesses that could help with any of these elements.

"We are also looking for people to help us with our fundraising efforts - for example, we've already approached local supermarkets for bag packing opportunities."

The first course begins this week but those who might not be able to offer a project that quickly can help later in the year as there are also courses starting in May and September.

Anyone who can help the Tameside GMFRS Prince's Trust team with any of the elements of their programme is asked to contact Emma on 07973966407 or email sercombee@manchesterfire.gov.uk .

The initiative was aimed at young drivers and cyclists and saw firefighters from Green Watch at Blackley Fire Station take part in a demonstration on the main shopping centre car park in Harpurhey.

Along with firefighters, police and the ambulance service took part in the display which involved a car hitting a cyclist and then a wall.

The four victims included a police community support officer and three students studying drama and theatre from The Manchester College.

Five make-up artists from the collage also did an excellent job creating realistic looking injuries on the budding actors and actresses.

Watch Manager Paul Brunt said: "This was a superb display of partnership working and involved all three emergency services as well as young people from the area.

"We are now looking forward to capturing some of the experiences of those involved and developing a road safety strategy aimed at young drivers and cyclists."

One of the students from The Manchester College taking part was Conor Fenwick, who is studying Level 2 Performing Arts.

He said: "It was quite a harrowing experience. Everything was so realistic and at times it didn't feel like a re-enactment. It made it easy to get into character though and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience."

Throughout the display (which was organised by the Neighbourhood Policing Team),GMFRS volunteers were on hand offering fire safety advice and Home Safety Checks.

A full de-brief took place on Friday, February 3, in the new community room at Blackley Fire Station.

Photographs and personal accounts from the event will be used to create displays at the college so those who took part can share their experiences with other students.

To hear more about the students' experience of the demonstration, visit http://themanchestercollege.ac.uk/news/north-manchester-students-work-partnership-emergency-services.

More pictures from the event are on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/manchesterfire.

Green Watch's Stuart Parr, who works at Ashton Fire Station, is riding in the St Patrick's Derby charity race at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

Stuart will be one of 12 jockeys, chosen from more than 100 who applied, taking part in the flat race over a mile in aid of Cancer Research UK on March 15.

He said: "Since finding out I was in the race, I've been on a really strict diet and done a lot of exercise. I'm going have to slim right down, so it is totally the opposite of what I'm used to in my job, but it's something I've got to do.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to it. I'm a competitive person, so even though it's just a charity race I still want to win."

Starting with GMFRS at Stalybridge Fire Station more than three years ago, Stuart has been based at Ashton Fire Station since January and his colleagues have backed his Cheltenham project fully.

"My watch has been very supportive at Ashton," said Stuart. "They've helped with sponsorship and have been encouraging towards me.

"My Watch Manager Alan Kirk has been very supportive too - I've been able to use the gym and train as much as I can during my dinners and breaks, to help with my fitness and weight loss."

Stuart has ridden all his life, including riding out at Donald McCain's yard in Cheshire and working as a rider and groom for the Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police Mounted Sections.

For this charity race, Stuart will be riding for his trainer Will Kinsey who trains at Peel Hall, Ashton Hayes, Chester.

Cancer Research UK is a charity close to his heart after his nan died a year ago from cancer and his mum is undergoing treatment for it after being diagnosed the same year.

The 26-year-old will also be riding in honour of a former trainer and close friend who also died from cancer.

Stuart said: "I've ridden horses nearly all my life and I want to do this in memory of Patricia Caldwell, a trainer and close friend of mine who died from cancer.

"Cancer Research UK means a lot to me, and hopefully I can raise a lot of money for them."

Stuart wants to raise a minimum of £5,000 for the cause and Haydock Park Racecourse has already pledged £500 to start off his corporate sponsorship.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Stuart can do so via his Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/stuart-parr and those interested in helping him with corporate sponsorship can contact him on stuartianparr@gmail.com.

 
"A major thing I will bring back to my work here is from those interactions with the local people," said Paul. "Being over there has made me realise how important that interaction is and how they support your struggle."
 
Paul has been in the TA since 2004 and is with the Mercian Regiment 4th Battalion and was called up to go away with the regiment's regular counterparts (Mercian 3rd Battalion).
 
From January to April 2011, they prepared for deployment at Fallingbostel in Germany and deployed to Afghanistan in April.
 
There was some more training in Afghanistan to ensure the troops were fullt prepared for the operations, and the environment and conditions they would face.
 
Paul was at Forward Operating Base Khar Nikah and alternated between there and an Afghan compound.
 
"The conditions were not the best," said Paul. "They were very basic.
 
"The only water was out of a well and there were no shower facilities.
 
"We did just under seven months and it was good - you learn a lot about yourself and others and you push yourself to your limits.
 
"There is so much more to the work than what you see on the television and there is a lot of interaction with the local people, showing them we are there to help them and not cause any problems."
 
Paul, who lives in Bury, became a father while he was away and his wife gave birth to a little boy, Toby.
 
He got back on October 26, had some leave to spend time with his family, was straight back into training at Rochdale Fire Station after Christmas and will return fully to work in the next few weeks.
 
Councillor David Acton, GMFRS Authority Chair, said: "Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is incredibly proud of Paul - his dedication to his role in the TA and his country by going to Afghanistan is tremendous.
 
"Not only that, we will be lucky enough to benefit from the experience Paul has gained during his tour of duty and the skills and knowledge he brings back will be put to good use in the communities GMFRS serve."

The lorry had collided with the barrier heading onto the M60 clockwise at 11.26am this morning. 

Having rolled over, the vehicle was left hanging precariously over a bridge above the M60, spilling animal feed onto the carriageway below.

Three Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) crews were called after initial reports suggested the driver was trapped.  When they arrived, the 33-year-old had freed himself and declined hospital treatment.

As the lorry was suspended above the M60, crews made the vehicle safe, first by isolating the battery to prevent a fire.  They then used some of the spilled animal feed to soak up oil and diesel which had spilled onto the M602 slip road.

Having shed its load of animal feed, the roof of the trailer was hanging dangerously over the M60 motorway.  GMFRS crews were able to use lines and cutters to stop it falling onto the carriageway below. 

Crews from Sale and Altrincham then worked with the Highways Agency and Police, using spades and shovels to help clear the road.

Watch Manager Nigel Perkins said: "We had to make the vehicle safe so we used a bit of ingenuity and used the animal feed to soak up the diesel and oil so the police could get the carriageway open as soon as possible.

"We then used a bit of elbow grease and a shovel to get shifting the animal feed!"

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service twitter feed kept people informed as the incident developed and Station Manager Ben Levy, who tweeted pictures from the scene, said: "It was incredibly fortunate, both for the driver, and for motorists behind him and beneath him on the M60 that his vehicle did not topple over the bridge. 

"Several tonnes of debris fell onto the motorway and there was even a street light hit in the accident that could have toppled onto the carriageway below. It is amazing that nobody was hurt."

Remember accidents can happen to anyone, but you can reduce your chances of a collision this winter by following our simple advice:

Always stay below the speed limit and slow down in bad weather conditions
Drive more carefully in dangerous road conditions such as snow, heavy rain, ice or fog by slowing down, leaving room for the vehicle in front and switching on your headlights if necessary
Concentrate and drive considerately at all times
Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all your passengers do
Never use your mobile phone when driving - it can distract you and it's illegal
Never drive if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs - this includes the morning after
Keep your distance from the vehicle in front - at least a two second gap
Other road users will make mistakes so be prepared and expect to encounter different road users such as cyclists, heavy goods vehicles and motorcyclists
Keep your vehicle safe and road worthy at all times

Mark Edwards brought his two-year-old grandson Josh Cullen into Sale Fire Station at 4pm on Tuesday, January 24, with a toilet seat stuck over his head.

The toddler decided to make potty training a more amusing activity by jamming his head into the tiny children's seat and, before Mark could react, had it stuck fast.

Mark said: "Josh was laughing and thought it was funny to have it on his head. He suddenly yanked it down and there was no way it was going back up."

Mark was going to attempt cutting the seat off himself but was terrified he would hurt Josh.

Mark called Control and quickly got on the road to Sale Fire Station.

"It was brilliant when we got there," said Mark. "Josh was panicking a bit - as was I - but as soon as he saw the firefighters he calmed him.

"They were great and I can't thank them enough."

It was even something of a difficult job to cut through the seat with all the different bits of cutting equipment firefighters have but Mark was impressed at how quickly and calmly the crew did it.

It was a strong pair of scissors that solved the problem in the end and a cut in the

Following the ordeal, the crew allowed Josh to make the best of the opportunity and showed him around the fire station, even letting him sit in the fire engine.

Mark will not be replacing the training toilet seat - Josh enjoyed his time at the station so much that he's worried the toddler might repeat the feat in attempt to see his new firefighter friends again!

Ten children from schools in the area had spent the week learning drills and discipline during the course which is delivered by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

A specially invited audience of parents, friends and guests came down to watch and were sheltered from the torrential rain as the Firefly youngsters braved the showers and showcased their skills in climbing ladders safely and hosereel use and management.

Aimed at children aged between 11 and 17 who are having difficulty engaging with school or their peers, the courses run throughout the year and are co-ordinated by Firefighter Chris Taylor from our Children and Young People team.

After completing their drills, the children also showcased their lifesaving CPR skills after learning Heartstart as part of the Firefly course.

After passing out, the ten youngsters made a speech talking about what they had learnt and enjoyed during the week.

14-year-old Courtney Walkden said: "I have enjoyed Firefly and would recommend it to my friends.  I have learnt a lot and would like to thank the firefighters.  I did not enjoy the washing up though!"

The youngsters were then presented with certificates by Bolton Borough Manager Ian Bailey.

Programme Co-ordinator Chris Taylor said: "It has been a great week with all ten children starting the course completing it.  With the heavy rain it can get pretty slippy out there, but they did very well with their drills.

"Parents often tell me afterwards that they see a marked improvement in their children's behaviour and disciple after completing Firefly with us.  Nobody ever enjoys the washing up, but they all do it, so I think we have a lot of parents expecting it to be done at home from now on!"

They were on hand today as pupils from Buile Hill Visual Arts College were taught lifesaving CPR at Salford Fire Station.

With heart problems killing one out of three people, the course was organised by Station Manager Dean Ogden working with Salford Council.  The course was delivered by Heartstart which is part of the British Heart Foundation.

The 16 year olds were taught about the importance of heart health before being taught how to do chest compressions and mouth to mouth.

Station Manager Dean Ogden said: "It's great that the children learn lifesaving skills inside our station, because the station belongs to the community.  This is a trial but we hope to target every secondary school in Salford."

People from the Oldham community who do not speak English as their first language used the fire station as their base for a programme of learning events.

Oldham Fire Station has recently been involved in a pilot project and hosted an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course at the station.

The partnership involved GMFRS, Workers Educational Association (who delivered the course) and Job Centre Plus (who referred people from the community to attend).

The five-week course, held one morning each week, will allow 11 men and women from the borough to communicate better in English day-to-day, have a better quality of life and involve themselves with the wider community

One of the sessions was delivered by Mark Thompson, Community Fire Safety Officer, who presented a workshop on fire safety in the home, encouraging everyone to take up the offer of a free Home Safety Check.

This is the first of a series of ESOL courses to be held at Oldham and the project will be evaluated with a view to more courses being hosted at fire stations throughout Greater Manchester.

For a FREE Home Safety Check, during which firefighters give advice on safety in the home and may fit up to two free smoke alarms, please call 0800 555 815 or go to www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

For further information please contact Yasmin Bukhari, Bridging Cultures Co-ordinator on bukhariy@manchesterfire.gov.uk or telephone 0161 608 4255.