POLICE cadets from the region have been honoured at a special ceremony in London.

The Cleveland youngsters given Volunteer Police Cadet Team Awards for their work helping people living with dementia in Middlesbrough.

The cadets have trained local police officers to spot the signs of dementia so if they deal with incidents where the victim is living with the condition they can be supported appropriately.

In total, 296 nominations were submitted by police forces across England and Wales, and for the first time, members of the public could also recommend volunteers for their service. A total of 43 exceptional candidates were shortlisted.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "I am delighted to award the Cleveland cadets for the vital contribution they have made to Cleveland police and the local community.

“I want to thank all the nominees for their commitment and drive and for making a real difference in the communities where they serve.”

Programme Support Officer, Jill Dobson, from Safe in Tees Valley, said: “This award recognises the hard work that our cadets in Cleveland put into working within local communities and trying to make a difference.

“It is very important for police to better understand conditions such as dementia and working with people who are suffering from this illness builds up relationships and helps to keep some of the most vulnerable people within our communities safe.”

The Volunteer Police Cadets are a uniformed voluntary youth organisation open to young people aged 13 to 18. Cadets get involved in various police related activities, such as crime prevention projects.