LISA Harvey and Brian Power are two young people with a bright future.

The pair are part of a group of 13 who have just finished a gruelling three month course -- and now they are ready to face the world.

And for Brian, aged 24 from Bolton, the fact that he completed the project -- run by the Prince's Trust and the Fire Service -- and came out with a handful of qualifications, is even more of a success story.

Brian had tried the course before but never finished it. He ended up in prison for petty crime. His relationship with the mother of his child broke down, and life looked bleak.

He contacted the Prince's Trust and asked for a second chance. They offered it and Brian joined the other candidates.

Teenager Lisa, from Farnworth, wanted to join the army but it was suggested she try the course before applying.

She did and the army have offered her a place this summer. "Thanks to the course I am much more confident," said the 17-year-old who gained five certificates.

The course is open to young people aged 16 to 25 who for three months undergo personal development raining.

And Brian admitted it has changed his life. "I am back in touch with my girlfriend, seeing my baby regularly and looking forward to getting a job.

"This will definitely keep me on the straight and narrow now," he said.

And a delighted sub officer Gary Costin, project co-ordinator for the fire service, said: "This has turned out to be one of the most successful courses in the country."

The aim of the course is to make the young people a more attractive candidate for employers."

And to do that the young people have to put in the hours, determination and commitment in everything they do on the course, from a tough four day fire service first aid course, to working with Bolton Wanderers on nutrition, to rock climbing on a residential stay in Pembroke. Along the way they pick up certificates in fire marshalling, food hygiene and they also have raise money and carry out a community project.

The project this year was a garden for the residents at Manor Court, Bolton.

"That was the best bit, just to see the faces of the residents when we had finished," said Brian who finished the course with six certificates and who plans to return to do more.

There was also a 12 hour sponsored walk in the Lake District which they had to plan themselves.

All the cash from that went to the Mayor's Coronary Care appeal.

And at the end, there was a chance to congratulate themselves and dress up for the awards ceremony at the Reebok when Tony Proctor, deputy chief fire officer for Greater Manchester, made the presentations.

The course is based at the YMCA in Bolton.