Firefighters often have to deal with the effects of vandalism caused by youngsters. But rather than turn their backs on teenagers, they have invited them to see what it actually takes to deal with the problem. Reporter Andy Robbins found out more about two pioneering schemes held across Sussex.

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, so the saying goes.

But youngsters from across Sussex tackled much more than a chip pan blaze when they took part in a fire safety course aimed at educating teenagers about the dangers faced by firefighters.

Ten lucky trainees were the latest to take part in the LIFE Project run by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in an effort to make local communities safer places.

The youngsters from Brighton and Hove, from 13 to 19, were referred to the project at Hove Fire Station last week as people who have offended or are at risk of committing crimes.

Others were victims of crime given the opportunity to work alongside firefighters in training exercises.

LIFE - Local Intervention Fire Education - aims to give young people an understanding of the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

It enables teenagers to work as part of a team and builds self-esteem and confidence.

Firefighter Scott Saunders, a lead instructor on the project, has seen at first hand the turnaround in those who take part in the intensive five-day scheme.

He said many of the youngsters arrived on the first day full of scepticism, but left as responsible adults with a fresh outlook.

He said: "They get to do everything we do, apart from fight actual fires and cut people out of cars.

"They get to go up and down ladders, rescue dummies from smoke-filled buildings and learn basic skills which all firefighters are taught, such as how to use breathing apparatus.

"The week involves a lot of discipline but most people take to it very well and it puts a smile on their faces.

"It makes people realise they can do what they want and overcome barriers in their way. It is really good to see them push themselves."

The course at Hove Fire Station was the latest of 18 LIFE Projects held by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service since the scheme was introduced at Bexhill Fire Station.

In London, where the project was developed, there has been an 80 per cent reduction in the offending rate among participants six months after attending the programme. Scott said the impact has been similar in East Sussex where the benefits were already being seen.

He said: "It works wonders. Some people do have relapses, but generally they become pretty switched on about the consequences of vandalism, which often involves fire.

"People seem to take to it very well and the success ratio is very high. A significant amount of kids don't go on to commit crimes in the future.

"I would put the success of it down to the discipline and the self-belief it gives those who take part."

At the end of the five days students were joined by their friends and families for a passing-out parade where they showed off the skills they developed to proud parents.

Scott said: "A lot of parents said it has had a big effect on their children. They say their children would often stay out late at night, but were getting to bed early as they had to be up early in the morning. It is certainly an exhausting course."

He is keen the project should continue with its valuable work to cut crime and educate youngsters.

He said: "It is a superb course. If they can keep finding the funding the more people will get a chance to do it, which is all the better."

It's not just East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service which has been running pioneering schemes to educate youngsters about the danger of antisocial behaviour. Pupils across West Sussex have been enjoying FireBreak courses.

Students attend a fire station one day a week to take part in a structured, disciplined range of events. These combined practical and fire training with classroom-based workshops. Jeremy Beard, of the fire and rescue service, said the students were encouraged to develop personal and social skills. They took part in fire service drills, a variety of individual challenges and team-building activities.

Mr Beard said: "Students are nominated to attend the FireBreak course because their schools believe they will benefit. A great deal of emphasis is placed on team-building activities in order to develop a sense of pride, individual confidence and self-esteem.

"By graduating, these students have shown that they are motivated and willing to learn new skills."

Thirteen young people received their graduation awards after a FireBreak course at Burgess Hill Fire Station, while another 13 completed the scheme at Bognor Fire Station.

Six were handed their awards at Shoreham Fire Station while youngsters in Crawley will given their certificates today.

Youngsters from secondary schools across West Sussex took part.

County councillor Peter Evans said: "Our firefighters are a first class role model for young people in West Sussex.

"The success of FireBreak is an excellent endorsement of their commitment to play a wider role in the community.

"The young people who graduated rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and determination and can be extremely proud of their achievement."

Would you encourage teenagers to take part in such schemes? Leave your comments below.