STAFF and volunteers from the fire service will join with hundreds of other special guests to welcome the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Manchester.

They will gather at the Royal Garden Party event at Manchester Central on March 23 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

Councillor David Acton, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority (GMFRS), said: “Those invited from GMFRS include firefighters, administrative staff and members of the community fire cadet scheme – the programme run by GMFRS to support youngsters and educate them about community safety and citizenship.

“Staff were selected in recognition of their dedicated service and outstanding contribution to GMFRS. And – as widely reported at the time – the community fire cadets played an outstanding role in helping in the clean-up of the streets of Manchester and Salford following last August’s civil disorder.”

John Cartwright, GMFRS’ children and young people programme manager, said: “The community fire cadet scheme is real valuable tool for engaging young people and, in its current format, is now in its fifth year.

“As part of the two-year programme candidates – who are based one night a week at a local fire station – undertake scenario drills, role play, first aid and trauma care, and learn about citizenship, health and money matters.

“This invitation is wonderful recognition of the cadets’ work – not only following the summer’s unrest but day-in, day-out.”

As part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Manchester and Salford, County Fire Officer and Chief Executive Steve McGuirk, will attend a lunch at Manchester Town Hall, while Deputy County Fire Officer, Jim Owen, will attend the Royal visit to Media City.

For more information on the Community Fire Cadet programme, including how to join, call 0161 736 5866, email allfiredup@manchesterfire.gov.uk or visit http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/fire_cadets.aspx