PUPILS from Peasedown St John Primary School have had a close-up look at emergency service life after the school’s ‘Mini-Police’ team visited Kingswood Fire Station.

The partnership initiative between Peasedown St John Primary School and PCSOs from Avon & Somerset Police sees children from Year 5 each year being given the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in ‘real life’ scenarios.

School headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: “Our Mini Police Team visited Kingswood Fire Station this week in order to further their knowledge and understanding our emergency services, and the essential work they do.

“We started our visit with a tour of the station and an engine. Children were able to ask questions and find out more about the equipment held in a fire engine, all of which is needed to save lives and put out fires whilst firefighters are out on call.

“Many of our pupils held some of the equipment and tried on the uniform too. It was all so heavy!

“Just as we’d finished our tour, the crew were called to an emergency. We watched them in action and were amazed with the speed at which they left on their mission – only 45 seconds!

“We’re grateful to the firefighters and staff at Kingswood Fire Station for making us feel so welcome when we visited, The Fire Service, and all our emergency services, work so hard to keep the public safe which we’re all incredibly grateful for.”

The Mini Police programme helps children build confidence, self-esteem, and life skills. It also helps children understand policing and community safety and builds trust between children and the police.

For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary