PLAYING with fire kit, climbing ladders and taking part in drills may sound like a dream day out for many children.

But Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service hopes a course in these kinds of activities may also be life changing for some.

The A Better Me course is the first of its kind in the UK and this month Bordon fire station was one of six to host the pilot scheme for children in year eight (pictured).

Station manager David Hodge said: “These courses can be life changing for the teenagers in terms of healthy living and the way they feel about themselves. Those who have taken part love it and we have not had a single person drop out – we say to parents you bring them along for one session we’ll make sure they choose to come to the rest.”