FOUR young firefighters had plenty to smile about when they were awarded special plaques for their achievements.

The award ceremony for Bidford Young Firefighters was held at the fire station, and attended by guests including relatives, members of the parish council, County Councillor Peter Barnes, and the Rev David Hall.

Plaques were awarded to Ben Stafford for Young Firefighter with the Most Merits in a Year, Graig Smith for Most Improved Young Firefighter, Jesse Belmonte for Young Firefighters Choice of Best Young Firefighter of the Year, and Philip Robinson for Instructors Choice of Best Young Firefighter of the Year.

A number of certificates were presented to instructors for 12 months instructing, and around 10 first aid certificates, and 10 bronze one year certificates were also presented to young firefighters at the ceremony on December, Thursday 16.

Bidford Young Firefighters Association Unit has 17 young firefighters, seven lay instructors and five regular retained instructors.

The young firefighters whose ages range from 11 to 17, meet every Thursday night at Bidford's fire station from 7pm to 9pm, except during half terms.

"Geoffrey Pulham, lay instructor said: "The young firefighters do lectures, drills, and they have their own fire appliance. We are the only fire unit in Worcestershire that has the full size appliance for the young firefighters. If anyone is interested in joining they should come down one Thursday night to see what we are doing."