THE first batch of volunteer police cadets in County Durham is set to march into its second year of service.

Twenty-six of them passed out yesterday (Sunday, July 5) after a parade inspection by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.

They were also presented with a certificate and a medal.

The volunteer police cadet scheme began in April of last year, 16 years after the force’s previous cadet scheme ended.

Mr Hogg said: “This is an excellent scheme which supports our strategy to engage with young people and also recognises the tremendous contribution that young people make to communities.

“I am confident that they will use the training received during their first year as cadets to further enhance their skills as they progress into their second year.”

Run by the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) and Durham Constabulary, with support from Mr Hogg, the scheme has two units, one based in Darlington, the other in Durham, coving the south and north of County Durham, respectively.

Ranging in age from 14 to 17, the cadets train one night per week and take an active part in events and community initiatives on behalf of the force and other agencies.