Last week, firefighters from Pembroke Dock Fire Station worked with pupils from the Priory Project to complete the phoenix course which is intended to enable the student to carry out the duties of a fire marshall and implement the correct emergency procedures.

All of the topics covered imitated those of a real firefighter and included ladder drills, hose running, squad drills, team building and home fire safety - all of which are designed to improve motivation, confidence and teambuilding skills.

The course proved challenging, but the students showed great determination, with some overcoming fears and anxieties, including climbing heights of up to 60 metres.

Bev Stephens, head of traveller education in Pembrokeshire, said: "All of the students benefited from the course and not only learnt a range of new practical skills, but gained a real sense of achievement and personal development too."