FAMILIES and friends of a group of people with Down's Syndrome clapped and cheered as they watched their loved ones show off newly-acquired firefighting skills yesterday.

The 17 young people and adults aged between 12 and 30 were supported by local firefighters, a police officer and paramedics to develop their self-esteem during the week-long Salamander programme.

They work as a team and learn firefighting skills such as abseiling, ladder climbing, search and rescue, first aid, road traffic collision rescue skills, water rescue, and how to use real operational equipment.

At the end of the course, the group put on a display at Swindon Fire Station in front of enthusiastic relatives, senior Fire & Rescue Service officers, Swindon Borough Councillor Garry Perkins and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson,

It's the ninth time that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has worked with Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group to run the skills course.

Kim West, Chair of Swindon Down's Syndrome Group, said: "It's an amazing programme, it gives them confidence and teaches them important safety advice and life skills.

"They're all exhausted by the end of the week but they love it.

"It's fantastic, I wish we could do it more often."

Justin Tomlinson said: "This is my absolute favourite event of the year, it's a brilliant project and it has my full support."

Tracy Blackler from North Swindon loved watching her 22-year-old son Seamus take part.

She said: "He loves it all, especially the swimming at Coate Water."

Rachel Kay from Haydon Wick was very proud of her 17-year-old son Josiah.

She said: "This is an opportunity for him to be away from mum and dad and be himself, it pushes him and gives him important skills."

Watch Manager Mark Evans said: “This is always an incredibly rewarding week, not just for the young people and their families, but also for the instructors from the fire service, Wiltshire Police, and South Western Ambulance Service."

Kim added: "My 15-year-old daughter Sophie's doing it for the third time this year.

"She was apprehensive the first time she did it but you wouldn't believe the confidence she has now."

Mark added: “The final presentation is so much fun, their families get so much joy from seeing what their children have achieved."