THIRTY young people across the Avon and Somerset area will soon be recruited to join a new volunteer police cadet unit.

The new unit, which is for young people between the ages of 14 and 17, will be mainly based in Bristol, with other units in areas, including South Gloucestershire, also offering vacancies.

From September, the volunteer cadets will have the chance to learn valuable skills during their weekly term-time meetings, including first aid, teamwork, communication and leadership.

They will also get the chance to go behind the scenes in policing to learn more about the different roles and responsibilities within the organisation, as well as being a uniformed presence at community events, delivering crime prevention information.

The scheme is only open to young people aged between 14 and 17 who live or study in the Avon and Somerset policing area.

Assistant chief constable Sarah Crew said: “Our volunteer police cadets are exceptional young people who are prepared to give up their time to help keep their communities safe.

“I firmly believe that being involved in the cadet scheme brings out the best in these teenagers and will stand them in good stead no matter what career path they choose to follow.”

Police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens added: “Avon and Somerset Police have a very strong volunteer police cadet team and the launch of a unit in Easton will be a valuable addition to the areas' local policing.

“Residents continually tell me of their appreciation for the cadets, not only as a reassuring and visible presence but also for the difference they make in keeping local communities safe. It’s truly inspiring to see young people take such passion and interest in policing and I wish the new unit every success.”

More information on being a cadet and how to apply can be found on the Avon and Somerset police website. Applications close on Friday, July 22.