YOUNG firefighters on Teesside will get the chance to start training early if the Government approves a Cleveland cadet scheme.

Plans are being drawn up for a Youth Fire Training scheme in Redcar and Cleveland to teach firefighting skills to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The idea is that when the teenagers apply to join the brigade at the age of 18 they already have an idea of what the job involves and have a head start with skills.

The scheme will run along similar lines to the Army Cadets and will be attached to individual fire stations.

Assistant Divisional Officer Alan Gill, from Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "It is for youngsters who have already accepted this role in life so that it is not such a drastic change for them when they do join up. They understand so much more and are open-minded to learning about serving the community. We are a service industry much more than people would think."

"The opportunities for career advancement are better because they are younger and have already acquired the skills."

The proposals are awaiting Home Office approval.