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Fire Service scheme helps teen win award

Bray Bywater, 14, from Kidderminster scooped up the award for 'Personal Development' at the Tryangle Awards last week (15 March), which celebrates the achievements of young people in Worcestershire.

Bray won the award for the exceptional progress he has made since joining Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) on a long term Positive Role Model (PRIME) placement, which provides one-to-one mentoring and fire service experience for vulnerable young people.

Station Commander Bob Sproat, who leads on the PRIME scheme, said: "Bray has faced significant challenges in his life, including suffering from serious burns as a young child after falling onto lit candles.

"Since being with us on the PRIME placement and under the excellent guidance of two firefighters from Bromsgrove, Bray has made enormous personal progress of which he should be thoroughly proud of.

"Not only has his school been impressed with his raised level of confidence and personal responsibility, but he has also recently demonstrated an incredible level of bravery given his history when he entered our training facility to observe crews working in simulated fire conditions."

Sue Taylor, who has helped lead the Droitwich branch of the Young Firefighters Association (YFA) for the last 19 years, also won an award at the ceremony under the category of 'Adult Volunteer'. Sue was nominated for her excellent and long standing voluntary work with the YFA, where she has relentlessly dedicated her time, effort and energy by undertaking all aspects of the running and administration of the group.

Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis said: "Congratulations to both Bray and Sue for winning their worthy accolades.

"Both the PRIME scheme and the YFA aim to support local young people and I'm pleased that through PRIME the Service has been able to positively contribute to Bray's development."

For more information on the YFA and the PRIME scheme, please visit www.hwfire.org.uk or email BSproat@hwfire.org.uk