Jacob Jarvis

A group of young cadets from Lincoln have taken part in the UK’s “Toughest Young Fire Crew” challenge.

Teams from six fire services across the country took part in the event designed to challenge the skills of young firefighters.

A group of six teenagers represented Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue finished second in the competition, closely behind hosts and winners Essex. 

The cadets were put through their paces as they worked as a team to rescue casualties trapped in vehicles and buildings. 

They also went head-to-head in tasks using firefighting equipment and spotting fire hazards through home fire safety checks.

Mark Bennett, youth engagement officer for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “This is the first time our young cadets have entered a national competition so we are immensely proud of what they have achieved. 

“The cadets train every week and we teach them the same practical and technical skills that our firefighters have.

“If you are interested in becoming a firefighter when you are older this is a fantastic programme to get involved with and this result shows that we are developing our cadets as well as any other fire service in the country.”

The Lincoln Cadets train on Tuesday evenings from 7pm-9pm at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue HQ and the programme is open to all 14-17 year olds.

For more information about becoming a young firefighter please visit the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue website or call 01522 582296.

A family fun day marked the end of work on Lincoln’s new Tesco Extra store.

Despite opening in May this year the store’s official opening day took place Saturday, August 16.

The development is now complete and the site hosts retail units, a children’s playground, an outdoor gym and a public piazza.

Store Manager, David Waldron, said: “We are delighted to launch the completed development at Tesco Extra Lincoln. Since we opened in May, customers have been enjoying a brand new and more convenient shopping experience.”

The customer car park has also been expanded and the second stage of the development also now includes six sculptures designed by schoolchildren from three primary schools in the city.

Satine Aldwinkle (22) with her sculpture family.

Kasey Drew-Kelly with bench sculpture.

James Sutton, a Lincoln-based sculptor commissioned to make three of the sculptures, said: “It was a pleasure to be involved in the sculptures for Tesco Extra Lincoln and I hope customers find them a unique and interesting addition to their local store.”

Trainers from the Great Outdoor Gym Company, the organisation who installed the outdoor gym, were also involved in the celebrations.

The outdoor gym is free to use and the pieces of equipment generate electricity while people exercise.

Tyler Goy (9) with sculpter James Sutton.

Georgie Delany, Creative Director at TGO Company, said: “We are extremely excited to be piloting our outdoor gyms in Tesco. Having a Great Outdoor Gym Company gym at Tesco Extra Lincoln is a brilliant step towards getting the nation more active in an environmentally friendly way.”

St Barnabas Hospice opened their 26th charity shop in one of the new retail units and the event also raised money for the charity.

David added: “Customers have really enjoyed the mix of free fun and activity we have organised to help launch the second stage of this development.

“It is great that as part of the event we have also been able to support our newest neighbour, St Barnabas Hospice, too! I would like to thank everyone who has joined us to be a part of the launch event.”

The Tesco Extra store in Lincoln is open from Sunday midnight until Saturday midnight, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.