A PAIR of teenagers have become fully fledged firefighters after acing their cadet course.

Jack Coates and Jack Blackman were among the first batch of young recruits to become fire cadets in Clacton.

The scheme includes using fire service training and discipline to teach teens the skills they need to become firefighters and community role models.

Over the last three years the pair from Clacton, both aged 18, have impressed fire cadet leaders.

They have now clinched jobs on a dedicated crew of on-call firefighters based in Wivenhoe.

Both say they have dreamed of becoming firefighters and the cadet course was vital in helping them get a foot in the door.

Karl Amoss, fire cadet programme lead, praised the dedication of the two teens in completing the course.

He said: “It is always fantastic to see the positive outcomes achieved through the cadet programmes with whatever our cadets choose to go on to do.

“However we feel especially proud to see them join our service as firefighters.

“It’s testament to the hard work and dedication shown by both Jacks that they now find themselves entering into an operational career with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

“The work ethic and attitude that they both displayed through their cadet training, and continue to display to this day, are truly inspirational to the cadets currently completing their training.

“I speak for both myself and the other instructors when I say we will all be proud to serve alongside them.”