Kickz: Chief Fire officer Paul Baker with Diversity Officer Mark Lovell and Community Manager Mark Rivers

ARGYLE'S Kickz programme received further recognition yesterday when Argyle's Football in the Community Trust were awarded with  the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation Letter at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue's annual awards dinner.

Each year, the Fire Service honour those who they feel have made a key contribution to the local community and this year, the Kickz project fitted the bill.

The Kickz campaign was launched in October 2008 and aims to "build safer, stronger communities through the development of young peoples' potential". The project involves Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Plymouth Community Safety Partnership, Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Along with football coaching and competitions, Kickz offers a range of other positive activities including basketball, street dance, boxing as well as music and arts workshops.

Developmental and educational sessions are also run, dealing with issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of getting involved in drugs and carrying weapons.

Community Manager Mark Rivers was honoured to receive the award.

He said: "On behalf of Plymouth Argyle's Football in the Community Trust we are delighted to receive such a prestigious award and we look forward to working in partnership with Devon and Somerset fire and rescue on future projects."