HOLY smoke! A new youth organisation set up by the fire service is up and running in the Fylde.

The Young Fire Fighter Cadet Unit aims to help youngsters develop their communication skills and self esteem, and trains them in basic aspects of fire safety.

The cadet unit is currently running at South Shore, Fleetwood, and Lancaster fire stations.

Station Commander Don Cross of South Shore fire station said that firefighters from South Shore and Blackpool had volunteered to work with the cadets with help from a youth worker.

The 16 cadets at South Shore fire station -- all pupils, both girls and boys, from Highfield and Palatine High Schools in Blackpool -- have embarked on an 11-week induction course learning basic fire skills, including using ropes and lines, ladder and hose work up to first floor levels, and they will also take part in some drills at the fire station.

South Shore Station Commander Don Cross said: "They will learn a lot about the job and find out what fire fighters do. But this isn't a pre-empt to joining the service.

"Like any other youth organisation it's designed to help youngsters develop their sense of self. They certainly seem to be enjoying it.

"All the services are trying to get more contact with the local community. If we can get closer links in the community we can express our fire-related concerns and hopefully this mentoring attitude with the youngsters will spread."