FIREFIGHTERS have been presented with their very own scouting badge.

Wethersfield firefighters were presented with the badge after giving fire safety advice to over 60 children.

The First Finchingfield Scout Group presented crew members with the special badge as a token of their thanks along with thank you letters from beavers and cubs who earned their fire safety activity badges from the visit.

Mark Wells, group scout leader at First Finchingfield, said: “I would like to thank the crew for their time during the recent visits by our beaver, cub and scout sections.

“It has helped them all to achieve their badges. All of the members, leaders and parent helpers had a great deal of fun thanks to your crew.”

The visits included indoor and outdoor fire safety information, instructions on creating escape plans, camp fire guidance and smoke alarm advice as well as hose reel displays, demonstrations of the breathing apparatus and a tour of the station and fire engines.

The scheme also saw firefighters visit the First Finchingfield Scout Group headquarters to check fire exits were not blocked and fire alarms were working.

Sub officer Darren Hockley said: “The visits not only allowed us to give safety advice to youngsters, their parents and scout leaders, it also helped them all achieve their prestigious fire safety activity badges.

“It was a privilege to welcome them here at our station, they were all fantastic listeners and asked great questions.

“We were delighted and pleasantly surprised to receive our very own scout badge.”