Young firefighters have been showcasing their skills in front of proud family and friends at a special passing out parade.

The teenagers, aged from 13 to 16 years old, took part in a 17-week course called Southend Young Firefighters' Scheme.

They learnt key firefighting skills including climbing ladders and tackling fires, as well as how to work in a team and build communication skills.

Stuart Nolan, 14, from Shoebury, said: "My favourite bit was the tunnel when I got absolutely soaked.

"We had to pour hoses through tunnels, one up to the first floor and one into the second floor, and we had to crouch through a tunnel with them.

"It was a bit hard, but we all worked as a team.

"It has definitely made me want to become a firefighter."

The young people learnt about the scheme through the firefighters' work in schools, community groups and with other agencies such as the council and police.

Amy Allen, 13, from Westcliff, said: "I like the fact that we got wet.

"I was a bit nervous when I started because some of the things that we faced were a bit difficult, but we soon got into the ways of working everything.

"I think I'll probably keep in contact with everyone here."

At the passing out parade the graduates were divided into teams and showed their family, friends, firefighters and local dignitaries, including Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge, what they had learnt.

The popular course is one of a number of schemes which Essex Fire and Rescue Service runs with young people from a variety of backgrounds to help educate them about fires, the fire service and learn life skills.

There is also the Juvenile Firefighters' Scheme with young people who have started fires or have a fascination with fires or the fire service.

The Firebreak course targets youngsters who have not responded well to mainstream school and Footprints is a scheme where young people come up with projects to look at issues which affect the community and apply for funding.

The Fire Service also works with Southend United Football Club to develop fire safety and education for young people as well as work in schools.

Martin Powell, head of community safety at Southend fire station, said: "Once the young people are on the course they do everything we have to do in the fire service."