Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 31/03/2006 13:30

Cornwall County Fire Brigade, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and students from six primary schools will be playing in a seven-a-side rugby event on Friday 31st March 2006 at Hayle Rugby Club, Hayle.

This is the second Hayle Safe Flaming Sports Challenge event. Last August the Hayle Safe Team in partnership with the Police held a five-a-side football tournament. This proved to be extremely popular with the students from Hayle Community College.

“The aim of this event is to create and sustain a positive relationship between the emergency services and the young children. Six local primary schools are involved: Bodriggy, Penpol, St Erth, Leedstown, Gwinear and Connor Downs. The children playing in the mini tournament will be aged between 8 – 11 years” said Leading Firefighter Steve Benney

Firefighter John Navin added: “The children will receive T-Shirts and certificates and the winners will receive trophies and shields. The national RFU Community vehicle has promised to put in an appearance as well!”

Each team of seven will also have three reserves and a volunteer from Cornwall County Fire Brigade or Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to act as Manager. At the end of the event the winners will be presented with their trophy by the Mayor of Hayle Councillor Terry Lello.
Councillor Terry Lello explained: “This is an innovative way of improving relations between the emergency services and the children and I am an avid supporter especially at the side line!”

She cont: “Any projects that can assist children to be healthy, stay safe and that give them a sense of enjoyment and achievement must be encouraged”

The event has been funded by Cornwall County Fire Brigade and supported by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Hayle Town Council and Cornwall County Council.

Sergeant Simon Dobson said: “We hope this event will start to build a strong relationship between the young people and the Emergency Services. It is our aim to maintain and sustain this relationship through events like this in the future”.

Councillor Ken Yeo, Executive Member for Public Protection added: “Firefighters John and Steve have been working with the community of Hayle to increase fire safety awareness. They have also established many worthwhile partnerships, specifically to improve relations between young people and the emergency services, lift community spirit and improve socialisation”

“If we have the same response as last year I know the afternoon will prove to be a great success”