STAFF and students from Exmouth Community College are in celebratory mood after the town council awarded a grant to help a school project.

The council’s finance committee were unanimous in agreeing a grant of �1,000 for financial assistance to help with the college’s community cadet scheme.

Run in conjunction with both the police and fire authorities, the initiative enables students to gain work experience within the emergency and public services.

The youngsters, who are given their own cadet uniforms, spend a number of sessions during academic terms with police and fire staff.

They also help out at community events, such as Exmouth Festival, as part of the scheme.

A presentation was held at a finance committee last week by student cadets.

John Wokersien, town council clerk, said he was impressed with what the youngsters had to say about the project.

He said: “The committee agreed to make a one off contribution of �1,000 to keep the scheme going and to enter into a Service Level Agreement over the following two years.”

Mr Wokersien added: “The councillors considered that the results were so successful that it was important to ensure continuation.

“The direct input and joint working between the East Devon Community Safety Partnership, the police, fire and rescue and Exmouth Community College, should be able to continue with this ongoing financial support from the town.”

David Turner, deputy principal of Exmouth Community College, also spoke about the benefits of the scheme.

He was joined at the meeting by teacher Jenna Westcott, who has taken over the responsibility of the scheme and PC Martin Young from Exmouth police.

PC Young said: “I’m very pleased the town council has agreed to help.

“We all appreciate that funding is very limited at the moment so it is great that the council were able to support us.”

Exmouth mayor, Darryl Nicholas, said: “I had the privilege of attending a presentation evening from the cadets. The pride of the parents, students, teachers and mentors from the police and fire services was tangible- and rightly so.

“This scheme is a credit to all involved and will have long term benefits for the students and local community alike.

“Exmouth Town Council is proud to be able to financially support this project through its Community Project Fund.”