CHESHIRE Fire Cadets has issued an SOS for volunteers to enable a third of its units, including that at Holmes Chapel, to reopen.

Cheshire Fire Cadets has lost its title as the country’s largest voluntary fire cadet scheme after having to close nine of 26 units due to lack of volunteers to help run the programme.

One of the units was at Holmes Chapel Fire Station, which ran every Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Cheshire Fire Cadets started 24 years ago, and is now in desperate need of volunteer cadet staff for its 26 units.

People from all walks of life are needed to help and firefighting experience is not necessary.

Nick Evans, Head of Prevention, said: “There is a bit of a myth about volunteering with fire cadets that you need firefighter experience, but that’s not true.

“There’s no set profile and there’s no need to have a background in the fire and rescue service to volunteer with Cheshire Fire Cadets.

“You do, however, need drive and commitment in helping young people to thrive in your local community - that’s all we are asking for from our volunteers.

“We are urgently looking for people from all walks of life to help with our cadets and would urge anyone with a couple of hours spare each week to get in touch.”

There about 350 cadets aged 12 to 17 in 26 locations across Cheshire communities.

The Service has 100 enthusiastic and committed adult volunteers who help lead, guide and inspire cadets in their area, but they need more to ensure there is a unit on each fire station.

Nick added: “If you speak to any of our volunteer cadet staff they will tell you they do it because they love it.

“They enjoy the fun, friendship, action, adventure and practical activities the fire cadets provides. They also enjoy making a real difference to young people in their community.

“All we ask is that you are able to give up one evening a week for a drill night.”

Call the Youth Engagement Team on 01606 868654 or email vicky.wrest@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Alternatively download the application pack from cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/volunteers/cadet-leader-volunteers

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