Linda and Pete Thornton were honoured to be invited to the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service HQ at Dorchester for the cheque presentation to the first JTYAF Award Winner from their Prince's Trust Scheme.

Hayley Dent was an extremely worthy first recipient, having recently won DFRS Young Achiever of the Year together with a Princes Trust Certificate for Celebrating Success. The DFRS Prince's Trust Scheme has provided Hayley with a great opportunity which has completely turned her life around. Wth the drive and enthusiasm that she developed through the course she now has a great future ahead of her. Hayley is currently studying 'Animal Behaviour and Welfare' at university but is still very involved in the scheme that made such a difference to her life. She aims to set up her own animal rescue charity and her JTYAF scholarship will help her to buy some of the essential equipment that she needs. Hayley will focus on hedgehogs initially, an endangered species in the UK, but she already has a host of animals that she has rescued and cares for.

Hayley was invited to give a short presentation to the Dorset Fire Authority meeting, telling them about her journey since starting the Prince's Trust Scheme. Hayley's story is truly inspiring and her enthusiasm and commitment to her chosen field was evident to all. Pete Thornton was also privileged to have the opportunity to explain how and why the JTYAF was set up and give details of the work we do especially in partnership with the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

The JTYAF is delighted to have the chance to broaden it's partnership with the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and give further opportunity for development to young achievers from their superb Prince's Trust Scheme. We will look forward to hearing of Hayley's progress in her work with animals and wish her every success for the future.

If you know any young people aged 16 to 25 who would benefit from completing the Princes Trust 12 week Personal Development Programme please contact Sonia on 01305 753035.