YOUNGSTERS who have blazed a trial on Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s life-changing Prince’s Trust Team Programme have been congratulated for their efforts.

The group of 12 youngsters were presented their completion certificates by the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Sean Keating.

The 12-week personal development course gave those taking part new skills, more confidence and enabled them to make positive life changes.

One young man recalled how he had overcome mental and physical problems, made new friends and was looking at a brighter future as an apprentice after taking part in the course.

The Basingstoke programme, run by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and supported by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Constabulary, gives young people in the borough the opportunity to change their lives for the better and prepares them for the world of work.

Proud parents, guardians and friends attended the presentation at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s civic offices to hear from some of the young recruits who enjoyed a week’s residential course in the New Forest, raised funds by packing supermarket bags and worked on a gardening project for residents with dementia.

Each team member gave a positive account of the experience and how it would help them in the future.

Cllr Keating said he was very impressed with the progress that had been made by the participants.

He said: “Listening to the young people who took part in the Basingstoke 24 Prince’s Trust Team was very moving and inspiring.

“Each member had their own reasons for joining the programme and they showed great spirit in conquering many doubts and challenges, working well together and looking towards their future with self-belief.

“They displayed great community spirit and are to be congratulated for completing this life-changing course. I wish them all the very best.”

Basingstoke team leader Kayleigh Jones said: “I’m really proud of each team member on completing the programme. They all worked hard, developed new skills, friendships and are more prepared to go back into education, training or employment.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has been proudly delivering the Prince’s Trust Team Programme for the past 15 years and has supported over 1,400 young people, many of whom have gone on to training courses, back into education or employment.”

For more information for about the Prince’s Trust programme visit hantsfire.gov.uk/princestrust.