YOUNG people from Clackmannanshire have been experiencing what it is like to work as part of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The skills course, part of a partnership with Clackmannanshire Council, gives youngsters an opportunity to take part in firefighting drills, and it also gives them a glimpse of what it's like to work elsewhere in the service as part of the support teams.

The week-long course is delivered by trained members of the SFRS and aims to improve skills in areas such as first aid, CPR, road safety, fire service drills, home fire safety and team exercises.

In addition to this, the course also has a focus on employability skills such as communication, critical thinking and team work.

Cllr Graham Lindsay, Spokesperson for education, said: "This was an exciting opportunity and rewarding experience for our young people across Clackmannanshire to work in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

"In Clackmannanshire we are always keen to ensure our young people get involved in hands on activities that make a real difference to improving their skills for the future and a glimpse into the world of work."

The majority of the course took place at Alloa Fire Station; however, students, from Alloa and Lornshill Academies, also visited the control room in Edinburgh and had a tour of SFRS's headquarters in Cambuslang.

Both of these are key locations and is where staff handle emergency calls and mobilise fire crews.

Roddie Keith, local senior officer from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added: "It's great to work with young people and to see their confidence grow over the course of the week.

"We want to make sure that participants get to delve into different aspects of the fire service and that's why we have the practical firefighting elements, as well as giving them an insight into other important supporting roles too."