Firefighters at Watford station have been giving young people at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour some valuable lessons in life.

The 18 teenagers, aged between 11 and 13 from the Watford area, took part in Hertfordshire's Fire and Rescue Service's Local Intervention Fire Education (LiFE) course, which ran for a week at Watford Fire Station.

The young people were referred to the course by Youth Connexions, Youth Offending Teams, schools, parents, police, the Fire and Rescue Service and housing authorities.

The course, funded by Hertfordshire County Council, aims to challenge the behaviour and attitudes of the young people by encouraging responsibility and boosting self-confidence.

During the week, teenagers were given personal responsibility for a fire engine, its equipment and their own personal equipment as well as given training on how to use the breathing apparatus and they practised hose running skills.

The week was rounded off with a passing-out parade at the station where the young people showed off their new skills in front of their families and friends.

Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: "These young people and their families should be proud of their achievements and I hope they continue to succeed in whatever they choose to do in the future."

This LiFE course was the 22nd to be run in the UK since its launch in October 2006 and since then almost 300 young people have taken part across the country.