FIREFIGHTERS have come to the rescue of a group of youngsters.

Plans by the Linx youth project at Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, for an abseil looked doomed, when fears of foot-and-mouth put their chosen venue, Stainsacre Hall, near Whitby, out of bounds.

But Cleveland Fire Brigade stepped in to offer its tower at Coulby Newham fire station for their adventure.

The youngsters were taken on a tour of the station, yesterday.

Youth worker Helen White said: "The young people had never abseiled before, so were really disappointed.

"We are really pleased the fire brigade offered to help us.''