A YOUNG firefighter from Dumbarton has represented the UK on the world stage to provide feedback on youth engagement in fire services around the world.

Elli Dillon, 17, was selected as one of just three teenagers in the country who attended the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services’ youth symposium in Budapest, earlier this month.

Currently a watch manager in Dumbarton’s Young Firefighter (YFF) unit, based at Dumbarton’s community fire station, Elli took part in workshops with representatives from 14 countries, providing feedback on a number of different issues.

The Dumbarton Academy student, who has worked up the ranks in the YFF since joining aged 14, and who also volunteers with Helensburgh’s unit, was nominated to take part by Dumbarton YFF leader Allan Young,

And he says Elli’s transformation in confidence over the years made her the perfect choice.

Allan said: “Elli’s our most senior young firefighter. She’s been through a long journey.

“When she started she was really quiet, and she’s really developed as a young person. She’s become a great team worker.

“The young people at the symposium were having to communicate with each other a lot through Google Translate.

“They also had to do a presentation - they had to get up and just wing it. They did well.

“Elli got up and talked about what she enjoyed about her time with the unit. I was really proud.”

Elli said she was “very pleased” to be selected for the symposium.

“I was a bit apprehensive as I didn’t know everything that the symposium entailed,” she said.

“I’m not the most confident of people, therefore when I was told I would have to help carry out the presentation I was rather nervous. Although I did feel sick I pushed myself to do it and I’m glad I did so.

“Young Firefighters has benefited me in so many ways. When I first joined I was as quiet as anything, but due to the different activities my confidence has grown massively.

“I would encourage anyone to start cadets as I feel it is extremely beneficial.”

And with Elli due to turn 18 in just a few weeks’ time, she is embarking on a new era within the unit, having been selected to become an instructor.

The YFF meet every Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm, and are always recruiting new members.

Get involved by contacting through Facebook, the Fire Scotland website, or dropping into the community fire station.