POLICE cadets need new blood from Worcester as part of a scheme to boost the confidence, fitness leadership and life skills of young recruits.

The West Mercia Police cadets in Worcester are now recruiting year 11 students and young people have a unique opportunity to see what it means to be a cadet at an open day at the city's police station.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, April 6 and there is a recruitment open evening on Thursday, March 13 at Worcester Police Station, Castle Street, between 6pm and 8pm. The day is open to all young people who are eligible (year 11). To attend contact PC Tina Cowan, youth engagement team (South Worcestershire) first.

Applications can be downloaded from the West Mercia website or by contacting PC Cowan. PC Cowan said: "We recruit from year 11 students and the recruitment process includes a written application form, selection for assessment evening and finally an interview. I will then select 14 recruits per year. The scheme is for two years so I have a junior cohort of 14 cadets and a senior cohort of 14, totalling 28 cadets."

The cadets meet every Thursday evening from 5.30pm until 8.30pm. The cadets also have to complete 15 hours voluntary hours every quarter but this is easily completed with policing events such as The Remembrance Day parade, Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, Malvern Christmas Lights switch on and various community events. The cadets are also about to start a Buddying Project with students from Regency High School, Worcester.

PC Cowan said: "We complete a qualification by the Institute of Leadership and Management and they keep a Personal Development Folder. Fitness and drill are also part of the qualification with cadets attending an outward bound course for a week.

"Cadets are uniformed with a navy blue polo shirt for training nights and a white shirt, black tie, police fleece and fluorescent jacket worn at events.

"Young people do not necessarily have to join because they want to be police officers. The scheme encourages young people to be confident and to challenge themselves by getting involved in activities that they would not normally do."

PC Cowan can be contacted on 01905 331073, 0300 333 3000 ext 4962 or 07817 904321.