AMMANFORD fire cadets have scooped the National Toughest Young Fire Cadet Challenge 2016.

Hosted in Basildon by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service during the weekend of August 20 and 21, six members of the Ammanford fire cadets (Ioan Edwards, Saskia Griffiths, Ronan Vallard, George Clarke, Haydn Kelleher and Laurisa Griffiths) aged 15 and 16 years old, made the journey from West Wales with their instructors, Dan Griffiths and Jason Woodman.

Speaking of the victory, delighted fire cadet Saskia Griffiths said: “It’s been a great experience competing with Ammanford fire cadets, working as a team and representing Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS). Thanks for the great experience.”

Ioan Edwards, fire cadet crew manager added: “I was really impressed and proud by the way we worked as a team to reach the goal of winning the competition. We communicated well throughout the whole competition, which was the key to reach the final and win.”

The Cadets were required to display such skills as tying knots, casualty handling, dam building and were also tested on their home fire safety knowledge and required to fit smoke alarms.

This was very much a test of brains and brawn as each fire cadet crew competed in drill races.

Having progressed through the heat stages, MAWWFRS cadets saw off Gloucestershire in the quarter finals to set up an All Wales Semi-Final against South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Cadets. After a close fought contest our crew from Ammanford claimed their place in the final against the hosts, Essex.

The final was another nail biting affair but MAWWFRS’s young crew proved themselves worthy winners of the Toughest Young Fire Crew trophy.

Jason Woodman, Station Manager and Instructor said: “I was so impressed to see the teamwork, comradery and sheer determination, not just to win each round but to improve on each run, doing it better and quicker each time. They achieved this to the amazement of both myself and Dan."

"They are an amazing team, a credit to Ammanford Cadets, MAWWFRS and the Fire Cadet program.”

Karen Jones, Head of Community Safety said: “I am extremely proud to be able to congratulate Ammanford fire cadets on their fantastic achievement.

"They were crowned national champions after a hotly contested competition and are a credit to the Service, fire cadet instructors and scheme organisers who have given their time to support and train the cadets.

"Well done to all of the young people who took part and a big thank you to everyone who has supported the cadets.”

If you would like to learn more about the fire cadets please visit mawwfire.gov.uk/English/Safety/Kids-Zone/Pages/Young-Firefighters.aspx