A TEAM of young people from Bolton have come third in this year's emergency services 999 Challenge.

Over the last five months, hundreds of youngsters from all over the region have been put through their paces by the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

The groups, who are aged between 13 and 17, completed seven tasks which ranged from learning resuscitation skills to delivering a talk to their peers on street crime issues.

The aim of the scheme is to give young people an insight into the work of the emergency services.

A team of youngsters from Wigan scooped the top prize.

Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable Michael Todd said: "All

of the young people who have completed the challenge should be proud of themselves.

"They have completed each task with enthusiasm and commitment."

Bolton's third-placed team are to receive a day out at a theme park.

A presentation ceremony was held at the Reebok Stadium, Middlebrook, to celebrate their achievements.

The overall aim of the initiative is to provide competitors with an insight into all three of emergency services and encourage them to develop team-building and life-saving skills.

Teams are gathered from secondary schools across Bolton.

Bolton's team dealt with injured passengers on a canal boat, rescued a motorcyclist and passenger from a valley, prevented chemicals from contaminating a canal and created a helicopter landing area for a mock evacuation.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "It is extremely pleasing to

see all the emergency services working together for the benefit of the young people of Greater Manchester."

For more information on the 999 Challenge, contact PC Faye Davies at Bolton on 0161 856 5760.