IT was an unusual ‘day at the office’ for nine youngsters as they learned about the role of the emergency services.

With everything from safety presentations to learning how firefighters cut people from cars, the Winchester City Council apprentices were put through their paces at the city’s fire station.

The visit was part of their attempt to be crowned winners of the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, which searches for the apprentice team of the year by testing team-building, leadership, logistical and communications abilities.

The city council has put together a team of mentors, made up of some of its officers, who help the apprentices with the challenge.

More than 70 teams have entered the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, and the final is in July.