A sharp-eyed Cub Scout helped firefighters repair a hydrant while working for his fire safety badge.

Joshua Clarke, nine, visited Rochester Fire Station in Marconi Way with the 24th Medway (Borstal) group to learn about how fire crews keep the public safe.

After the visit, Josh had to draw a map of the nearest fire hydrant to his home to get his award but when he found the hydrant he realised the marker plate and post were missing and wrote to Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to let them know.

Firefighters immediately marked the hydrant and put up a new plate. They also contacted the youngster to thank him for reporting the defect.

Resilience manager Steve Lewis said: “A fire engine can only carry a limited amount of water so fire hydrants are an extremely important part of firefighting.

They provide us with access to a steady flow of water to fight a fire and when missing or obscured, could waste valuable minutes for our crews who work hard to limit fire damage to properties. Please help us by not parking your vehicle above or too close to a fire hydrant as it could be needed in an emergency at any time.”

Joshua’s dad Steve Mundy thanked KFRS for replying to his son’s letter.

He said: “He saw the hydrant on the way home from school and he was totally made up that KFRS had put up a new sign and also sent him an email.

“He took this along with the photos and read it out at Cubs and he now has his fire safety badge.”

Mr Lewis added: “Joshua was with his mum, Ellie Clarke, when he drew his fire hydrant map and we’re really grateful for his efforts but, if your child is outside, near the road, please make sure they are accompanied by an adult.”

Scouting in Medway is one of two good causes to be adopted by the Messenger as our charities of the year for 2017. The other is Guide Dogs and you can find our all about the organisation’s Medway branch in a special feature in tomorrow's paper.