A CELEBRATION of the city's young people has paid tribute to the role Streets Ahead volunteers played at the Commonwealth Games.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, one of our campaign partners, hosted the event to recognise the contribution made by pupils from across Glasgow this summer.

They volunteered outside Games venues throughout 11 days of competition, signing up visitors for home fire safety visits.

George McGrandles, SFRS area manager, said: "Today is a fantastic opportunity for us to thank all the young people involved in helping us spread the message of fire safety and supporting Glasgow in delivering a successful Games.

"This was a chance for us to reach neighbourhoods of our city, enabling us to build on the work we are already doing in communities across Glasgow.

"It was also a fantastic opportunity for the young people involved to add valuable skills and volunteering experience to their CVs - something employers are increasingly keen to see."

Mr McGrandles added: "Getting involved in our communities is what the Evening Times Streets Ahead campaign is all about and we're delighted to continue supporting this initiative."

Pupils from seven city schools, Whitehill Secondary, St Mungo's Academy, King's Park Secondary, St Margaret Mary's Secondary, Cleveden Secondary, Notre Dame High and John Paul Academy, and two Firereach volunteers, Natasha Adams and Lisa Herriot, attended the event, hosted by group commander Iain Goodlet, head of community safety.

Everyone received a certificate from the SFRS and their efforts will also be recognised by the Glasgow volunteers branch of the Saltire Awards, a national volunteering agency.

Mr Goodlet said: "The SFRS is visible in communities because of fire engines and blue lights but the vast majority of our work involves talking to people about fire risk, to prevent accidents from happening in the future.

"The young people here today should be extremely proud of themselves for playing a vital part in that."

The event was attended by proud parents and grandparents.

Lynne Nobre, whose son Brandon, 15, took part, said: "This is the first time he has done anything like this - he really enjoyed it.

"It helped him grow in confidence and has encouraged him to think about a career in the fire service."

Charlotte Reilly, 16 and Carly Neilson, 15, pupils at John Paul Academy, volunteered outside Kelvingrove, where the bowling events took place.

Charlotte said: "It was really interesting to meet lots of people coming to the Games and talk to them about fire safety."

Carly added: "We got a good response from visitors and local people."

Connor Mallis, 15, a pupil at Cleveden Secondary, agreed.

He said: "It was brilliant to be a part of the Games and feel like you were doing some good at the same time."