Students rescued a damsel in distress as part of a mocked-up emergency scenario at Royston Fire Station.

The group of 16 students from the Meridian School have been taking part in a three-month course at the fire station as part of the skills section of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

As part of their pass-out parade last week, they had to complete a series of tasks, involving fire engines and hoses, breathing apparatus and a rescue.

A spokesman for The Meridian School said: “A great sense of teamwork, achievement and maturity was built up as they participated in many activities, including learning how to roll out and use fire hoses, breathing apparatus, rope work, ladder work, and even cutting off the roof of a car.

“All the students finished the course with a fantastic sense of achievement. The expectations of the course were high and the students rose to the occasion.”