Lucy named Police Cadet of the Year

Some 23 youngsters from the voluntary police cadet scheme gathered at Padiham Town Hall to receive certificates from Burnley College for successfully completing the course.

Lucy Naughton (17), from Burnley, was named the overall Police Cadet of the Year and was presented with the annual trophy by Chief Insp. Bullas and the Mayor and Mayoress of Padiham, Coun. Bob and Mrs Ann Clark.

Special recognition was also given to the enthusiasm and motivation of Jack Leeson and Stacey Brooks who received an award for physical fitness and Kelsie Lampard, who was honoured for the most volunteering during the scheme.

Up to another 40 people are being given the opportunity to take part in the 37-week course this year.

Sgt Natasha Shaw, who runs the scheme, said: “Due to its continued success we will be running another scheme this year and we are now looking for the next round of recruits.

“The cadets will carry out a crime prevention project in the community, fitness tests and receive weekly inputs into the departments inside Lancashire Constabulary. “They decide on a charity of the year and will complete charity walks, canoes, jailbreaks and other activities to raise as much money as possible.

“This is a unique new course which allows young people to work with local communities and really give something back to the areas in which they live.

The course starts on Tuesday, April 3rd, and is open to young people between the ages of 16 and 19. Sessions will be run every Tuesday from 7 - 9 p.m. in Burnley.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.lancashire.police.uk/recruitment/volunteer-police-cadets or for further information ring 01282 472253

l Closing date for applications is January 31st.