A ROYAL seal of approval was given to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service this week for its work with young people.

The service has been accredited as a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Access Organisation.

The status will mean that Herts Fire and Rescue will be able to officially certify young fire cadets with a certificate recognising the Service Section of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher said: "This is great news. We have developed a strong link with the award scheme and I'm pleased that this link has been officially recognised."

The fire cadets scheme has been running at Watford station for 12 years. It aims to provide young people between the ages of 12 and 18 with meaningful activities in their spare time and teaches them basic fire fighting skills, first aid, arson prevention.

The course takes on young people from local schools or youth groups for one evening a week over three months and teaches them new skills, enabling them to complete the Service Section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award visit www.theaward.org/east.