SkillZONE is seeking volunteers to help spread its safety messages to schools and community groups.

Gloucestershire’s safety education centre was officially opened just over a year ago. It boasts a lifelike village used as a place to teach young people how to stay safe in a number of scenarios – from using a computer safely, to knowing what to do in a house fire. On Saturday 1st March, the centre will be holding a volunteer open day from 10am to 12pm to find new recruits.

The event will celebrate the great work being done by the centre’s current volunteers, to provide information for those interested in volunteering and to showcase SkillZONE to people who haven’t been.

Volunteer manager Will Knight said: “People are invited to the centre to see how we teach local children. Volunteers are only required to give two days a month and, along with on- the-job training, we give courses on safeguarding, first aid, health and safety and equality and diversity.” Volunteer and retired firefighter Frank Prentice said: “I find volunteering at SkillZONE interesting and fulfilling. If a young person can remember just a few things about safety we tell them it’s a good start in life. The feedback we have absolutely makes it worthwhile.”

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “SkillZONE has been a huge success, helping thousands of children across Gloucestershire to learn vital safety lessons. This is a fantastic chance for people to give something back to their community.”

SkillZONE is located next to Gloucester South Fire Station, Tuffley Lane, Gloucester, GL4 0AS. To register your interest in attending a tour email Skillzone@glosfire.gov.uk and to find out more, visit http://skillzone.glosfire.gov.uk/