THE future of Shipston Young Firefighters Association has been secured.

Earlier this year Warwickshire County Council – which runs the county’s Fire and Rescue Service – announced it was to halt funding for young firefighter’s groups across the county as part of its efforts to save £2.4 million from by 2018.

After the council agreed to continue funding the Shipston group until the end of March 2015 while an interim solution was found, members, their parents and local councillors came together to find a way to keep the club going.

At a meeting chaired by Warwickshire District Council ward member for Shipston Cllr Jeff Kenner this week it was agreed to split the organisation off as an independent charitable organisation, meaning it will be able to continue running for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Kenner, who is also Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Stratford, said he was delighted the group would be able to continue under the management of people from the town.

“This is only possible because the fire and rescue service are fully supportive of this taking place so the activities of the young firefighters can take place at the fire station,” he said

“We are delighted with the progress that has been made.”

The group – which is open to young people aged between 11 and 17 and is so popular it currently has a waiting list – allows youngsters to learn a number of firefighting skills with the help of qualified firefighters, who give up their time for free.

Members are also issued with all the equipment an uniforms they need.

When it was announced the group could be abolished parents in the town launched a petition to save it, which attracted more than 1,600 signatures.

Cllr Kenner said, although the group would need to carry out some fundraising in the future to pay for new uniforms and equipment, the use of generous volunteers meant it would not need to shell out for staff.

“It’s all very exciting and also very challenging as well,” he said

“I’m giving my full support to the parents and the volunteers.

“The people involved have the skills and capabilities to take this forward.”

For more information on Shipston Young Firefighters Association call the town’s fire station on 01608 661 466.