FIREFIGHTERS in Blaenau Gwent have opened up their fire stations for youngsters in a bid to keep sports clubs running through the winter.

Charity StreetGames runs a sports project in Blaenau Gwent but needed to find somewhere to host it when the weather turned cold and wet.

In a move to keep the sport sessions running, StreetGames worked with Communities First and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to host the weekly sessions in Abertillery and Brynmawr fire stations.

Staff from the fire service's Crimes and Consequences Project also took the opportunity to give out safety messages to the youngsters on issues including deliberate fire setting, anti-social behaviour and road safety.

Daniel Bradley, of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We naturally recognise the importance of regular physical activity for young people and believe it is crucial that these sessions continue even though the weather has turned bad quite quickly.

"We were delighted to be able to help and to work with StreetGames and its partners in the area to ensure youngsters of all ages could continue to enjoy the opportunity to engage, have some fun, and remain active.”

While at the sessions young people took part in activities including football, rugby, netball, basketball and dodgeball.

The sessions will continue to be led by qualified leaders with assistance from volunteers who have been recruited and trained through the StreetGames training academy.