Macclesfield Prince's Trust Team graduates in style

A group of young people from Macclesfield have graduated from a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service-led The Prince's Trust programme.

The graduation took place at the Crewe Hall, and the team of seven who were all dressed in evening dress, attended the event.

To graduate from the programme the team members all gave a two-minute speech about their time on the course. The speeches were in front of a packed audience of local dignitaries, family, friends and people who have helped and mentored them over the 12-week course.

The ceremony started with an official welcome from the High Sheriff of Cheshire followed by a drinks reception and dinner before the presentation took place and then followed by closing remarks from Councillor Rachel Bailey from the Cheshire Fire Authority.

The graduates included:

Nick Barrowcliffe

Jason Harwood

Joe Ruffley

Aidan Jenkins

Matt Marshall

Joe Proud

Carla Figueira

Stephen Thornley is the Prince’s Trust Programme Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and works with teams in Macclesfield. He said: "I think these individuals should be very proud of what they have achieved.

“It has been a lot of hard work and they definitely deserve to celebrate this now, it has been a pleasure to lead them and work with them over the last 12 weeks.”

The team took part in a number of activities during the programme, which included:

• Raising money for a community project by bag packing at a local supermarket
• Food hygiene, health and safety and first aid courses
• Disability awareness training and driving safety course
• Confidence building workshop

The Prince's Trust Team programme is a 12-week free course giving young people between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self-confidence.

The next team will be running from 24 January 2022 and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting for team members so, if anybody is interested, or you know anyone aged between 16 and 25 who you think would benefit from The Prince's Trust Team programme, here’s where you can find more information and how to apply:

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service website.

Pictured - Macclesfield Princes Trust team graduate.