NEW recruits to the Evesham Army Cadets have taken part in the first county enrolment ceremony for 10 years.

The group of five became official cadets as the Mayor of Evesham, Jim Bulman, presented them with their cap badge, welcoming them into the Royal Regiment of Artillery (Army Cadet Force).

The ceremony took place at the detachment’s unit in Coronation Street just behind the Bengeworth Club in Evesham.

Staff Sergeant Instructor Edward Vernalls said: “It was the first ceremony that I know has been performed in the county in the last 10 years.

“The whole point of it is to make the cadets feel they are part of a unit. It is like the passing out ceremony soldiers undertake.

“The cadets is valuable as it gives the recruits a place of safety to go, constantly changing activities and it teaches them great social skills.

“We are also aiming to have enrolment ceremonies in mid-May and July so any potential new cadets would need to join before May 10.”

The Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force has also recently appointed a new commandant.

Colonel Andy Taylor, who retired after more than 30 years from what subsequently became the Royal Logistic Corps, is responsible for 21 detachments across the region.

The cadets parade every Wednesday between 7pm and 9.30pm.

For more information, contact the headquarters at Hereford on 01432 359917 or visit the cadets on a parade night.