A NEW centre for Army and RAF cadets has been unveiled in in Consett.

The Joint Cadet Centre in Parliament Street is the first of its type in the region and will form a blueprint for the future provision of cadet facilities.

The centre, which will be the new home to 32 cadets from the Consett Detachment Army Cadet Force and 1409 (Consett) Squadron Air Training Corps, cost £350,000 for the one-storey new build.

The centre was officially opened by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Durham, Sue Snowdon.

She unveiled a plaque before touring the facility, where she met cadets and adult instructors from both organisations, and was able to see some of the activities the cadets are involved in on a regular basis.

North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) deputy chief executive Lieutenant Colonel Iain Clyde, said: “Combining facilities for Army and Royal Air Force cadets is definitely the way forward.

“It offers them more spacious classrooms and office areas, as well as a larger canteen, which will enable the young people from both organisations to enjoy a better experience as cadets.”

Two separate old facilities were demolished to make way for the new building on the.

Lt Col Clyde said: "The cadets provide more opportunities for young people in the community to raise their aspirations.

"It gives them a sense of purpose in life, through the activities they are involved in and the discipline it instils.

The Army and the Royal Air Force shared the funding for the project, estimated to cost about £400,000.

The Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps gives young people between the ages of 10-18 (SCC), 12-18 (ACF) and 12-20 (ATC) an opportunity to get a taste of life in the Armed Forces.

As well as acquiring basic military skills, the young people can participate in sports, adventurous training, fundraising events and gain qualifications, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The Army Cadets do field craft and shooting, among other, while the RAF cadets have a flight simulator room at the new centre, where they can experience what it is like to fly an aircraft.

For further information, call the North of England RFCA on 0191 384 7202, or visit www.rfca-ne.org.uk.