Police cadets honoured at Cannock event
The first batch of police cadets in Cannock have been recognised at a graduation ceremony at the force's headquarters.
Eighteen youngsters picked up their certificates as they took the official police cadet oath.
The cadet scheme was a key election pledge for Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis. It aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
The Cannock branch is the second to be set up in the county after the first cadets were established in Stafford last year.
Mr Ellis eventually wants to see 250 cadets across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
"It's about developing young people, building their leadership skills and understanding what it is to be a good citizen.
"Seeing the transformation some of the cadets are making is astounding."
Rhiannin Hill, 16, is a police cadet from Heath Hayes. She said: "I have a huge sense of pride whenever I attend the cadets which lasts even after I have left the meeting.
"I know this opportunity will benefit me in both the long term and the short term. I am so glad I joined Cannock Cadet Unit and I know there will many more amazing opportunities for me and my fellow cadets."
The cadet programme is funded by business sponsors and the British Police Symphony Orchestra will perform a fundraising event at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre on April 12.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.lichfieldgarrick.com
