STUDENTS teamed up with firefighters last week to learn about the benefits of exercise, nutrition and healthy eating.

The initiative, run by the Island's Fire and Rescue Service, is designed to improve teenagers' standard of life across their education, exercise and social environment.

Students who take part in the six-week 'Teen Fire Fit' course are nominated for reasons including being disengaged with physical activity or having a long-term medical condition or low self-confidence.

Each session included activities unique to the fire service, plus healthy eating and practical cooking tips.

Tracey Webb, community safety delivery manager for the fire and rescue service, said: "We feel we are uniquely placed at the centre of local communities to engage with younger people.

"We can use our professional reputation to encourage participation from those who often don’t feel confident enough to join other groups or health programmes."

Lead instructor on the course, watch manager Kelvin Wright, said the difference between the students from the first week to the sixth was amazing.

“Their levels of engagement and self-belief in their own abilities has led to them coming together as a team, while achieving individual goals.

“They should be extremely proud.”

Ryde Academy principal Joy Ballard was impressed by the students’ commitment to the course and said to see them succeed during such a tough course was simply brilliant.