A London Fire Brigade scheme working with young people and youth offenders has seen just 8 per cent of participants return to crime.

Two thirds of those attending the Local Intervention Fire Education (Life) scheme are referred because they have committed offences or are considered potential offenders.

Last year the scheme achieved a 92 per cent non re-offending rate for young completing its courses across Merton, Sutton and Kingston.

From this year the scheme is also being expended to cover Richmond.

Judith Oram, youth project manager for the four boroughs, said: “As well as offenders and potential offenders, young people might be referred because they have come from a violent background or have learning difficulties or have been the victim of crime.

“We receive money from sources such as Safer Sutton Partnership Fund and the Safer Kingston Partnership Group and also through a local area agreement for Merton.

“At the moment we can only take 96 students across the four boroughs. We had a lot of companies wanting to sponsor us, but they had to pull out because of the credit crunch.”

The week-long courses put students through their paces with the attendees learning a series of practical skills including climbing ladders, hitting targets with a hose and using breathing apparatus in smoke chambers.

Miss Oram said: “We try to make it as real as possible, but it isn't really about fire fighting skills, it's about communication and team work.

“We teach the young people discipline and how to make choices. It can help them stand up to people and resist peer pressure.

“I don't have children of my own and I always say this is one of the few opportunities I have to make a positive impact on young people.

“I love my job. One young girl still calls me up to say 'Hey Miss, it's only me. I'm still off the drugs'.”

For more information contact judith.oram@london-fire.gov.uk