A team of young adults are celebrating 12 weeks of hard work after completing a programme from the Prince's Trust.

The eight-strong group from Thetford – Team 131 – took part in team-building exercises, a residential trip, volunteer work and CV-writing and interview workshops during the programme, delivered by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Their achievements – which included gaining qualifications in food safety and first aid – were recognised in a presentation, given by six members of the team, at the Keystone Innovation Centre on Wednesday.

Congratulating the team, Mayor of Thetford Terry Jermy said: 'It takes a lot of courage to take yourself out of your everyday environment and do something completely new. You have all done it and you should be incredibly proud.

'Not only have you learnt new skills, but you have given something back to the community.'

The 18 to 22-year-olds were all out of education, training or employment when they began the course, but with their new found skills and confidence they explained in the presentation about their new career goals.

Joshua Smyth, 19, said: 'I feel complete pride and joy after completing something that I previously thought I would not be able to do.'

Laura Tavares, 19, said: 'I feel proud of myself for completing this programme. I feel like I can do anything I aspire to do now.'

Travis Steed, 20, said: 'I now have a clear sight of what I want to do with my life.'

Challenges during the 12 week programme ranged from canoeing and climbing during a week-long trip to Cambridgeshire, to creating a garden for the Church of the Nazarene in Thetford in a three-week community project, to playing bingo and hosting a quiz for care home residents in Brandon and Thetford in the 'working with others' week.

The team also undertook individual two-week work experience placements with employers including Thetford Grammar School and the Charles Burrell Centre.

The project was led by Louise Howes, youth development team leader at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, and Sgt Vicky Hebborn from Norwich spent 20 days with the team during the programme.

Sarah James, Prince's Trust executive, said: 'It has been great to watch your 12-week journey, and it is great to see the confidence you now have, the skills you have learnt and your motivation to achieve in life.'

Peter Abbs, Dereham fire station manager, said: 'The service takes its responsibility to the community very seriously and believes the delivery of the team programme is key to this.

'These young people have raised over £850 to give back to their community. They have given the money, but perhaps more importantly their time.'

Find out more about the team programme at www.princes-trust.org.uk.