STRAPPING firemen were given a helping hand from a bunch of keen youngsters today as a hands-on summer holiday education programme was officially launched.

The Young Wardens scheme, currently in its 10th year, is aimed at children aged between seven and 11 and is run by Swindon Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Warden team, whose role is to work in the community helping to keep housing estates safe and clean.

The scheme allows the children to learn new skills and acquire a sense of civic duty. It’s also great fun as yesterday, at John Moulton Hall in Penhill, they got to climb aboard a fire engine and explore the inside of a police car.

Peter Holohan, the council’s neighbourhood housing services manager, has been involved with the programme since the very beginning and thinks it hugely beneficial for the children.

He said: “The idea is to get groups of children together once a week during the summer holidays for a day of learning and awareness raising.

“This morning they have been given the chance to have a look around the fire engine and the police car, and they all really seem to have enjoyed it.

“For me and my team, this scheme is the highlight of the year. We have all these kids full of enthusiasm and it’s a real pleasure to be able to give them an experience they will remember.”

Eighty children from across Swindon have signed up, with 20 youngsters each from Penhill, Parks, Pinehurst and Freshbrook.

Road and internet safety will feature in the programme as well as learning about stranger danger.

As Peter explained: “Safety online is of paramount importance and it’s very important that the children know this.”

The teams of young people will also be making positive contributions to their local areas through litter picking, planting and other projects, such as learning about the importance of recycling.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “I am so impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all the children who take part in the Young Warden scheme each year.

“The projects they get involved in demonstrate just how much they value their local area and they jump at the chance of dedicating some of their summer holidays to improving their local community and acquire key educational messages.”