SHIPSTON MP Nadhim Zahawi is set to meet parents to discuss the future of the Young Firefighters’ Association (YFA) which is under threat from funding cuts.

Mr Zahawi is meeting parents fighting to support the vital service for young people on July 10 so he can learn more about the situation and their concerns.

As previously reported, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has just ended its consultation on how it can slash its budget by £2.4million by 2018, with £1.3million of cuts due to be made in the next two years.

But the cuts mean support for the YFA will be stopped in November. The group, which also has branches in Bidford, Kenilworth and Wellesbourne, gives young people the opportunity to get involved in activities in a fire service setting.

Shipston Mayor Philip Vial said he was pleased Mr Zahawi was going to listen to parents' concerns.

"I'm delighted that Nadhim is showing interest in this important youth scheme and I hope that we can persuade him to support our campaign to save the YFA," he said.

A petition in support of the YFA has now gathered 2,147 signatures and is being officially handed into the county council next month.

Parent Donna Hall, of Manor Lane, who launched the petition in support of the Shipston group, said she was really pleased with the response from the community.