WEST Mercia Police are looking for young people aged 16 and 17 who have an interest in policing to join its volunteer cadet programme.

The force is now recruiting across Worcestershire and the programme is open to teenagers who will be starting year 12 this September.

Cadets will undertake a variety of activities, including self-defence training, marching, fitness, role playing and taking part in teambuilding weekends and outward bounds events.

They will also gain an insight into police life through talks by guest speakers from different departments and agencies and by taking part in local community policing events, as well as having the opportunity to gain a BTEC Diploma in Public Service Skills.

Sergeant Alex Warner, who is in charge of setting up the programme for the force, said: “Being a cadet is about discipline, friendship, teamwork and gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference to your community and developing yourself for any future career.

“We are looking to sign up 14 new cadets for each policing area to start in September 2013 and I would urge anyone who is interested to visit the force’s website for more details.”

Applicants are required to fill in an initial application form, attend a formal interview and take part in the police initial recruitment test.

Application forms must be received by 5pm on Friday, March 8.

Successful applicants will meet every Thursday.

For more information or to download an application form, visit westmercia.police.

uk/policecadets/.