CRIME-FIGHTING youngsters from across East Lancashire have been sworn in as the counties latest police cadets.

Around 450 volunteer cadets aged from 13 to 18 have taken an oath to promise to serve the community and act as ambassadors for Lancashire Constabulary, at an event at King George’s Hall yesterday evening.

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Although they do not have the power of arrest, the teenagers have been recruited to hopefully show their peers the errors of their ways and improve relations between young people and the police.

The cadets have gained an insight into various departments within the force, as well as learning a range of skillsand attending public engagement initiatives.

They are the third group to be taken on since the scheme started in January last year, with volunteers coming from Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Nelson and Colne.

The cadets were welcomed by Chief Constable Steve Finnigan and Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Clive Grunshaw and addressed by Chief Inspector Ian Sewart.

Ian Sewart said: “Volunteer police cadets are a real asset in offering a policing service that is relevant and reflective of communities.

“The cadet scheme provides young people with an opportunity to express their views on policing issues; to help change lives and develop skills. This event gives us the opportunity to recognise the fantastic work the cadets have done to complete their induction training.

“We hope the cadet scheme will provide these teenagers with the opportunity to unearth their hidden talents.”

The schemes are based at colleges.

They are run by a combination of police officers, police staff, special constables and police support volunteers.

Clive Grunshaw added: “I am very proud of Lancashire’s volunteer police cadets – being part of the developing Citizens in Policing programme is a valuable opportunity.”