FINAL year school students interested in joining the police can apply to become a West Mercia cadet.

With the opportunity to gain a qualification in Leadership and Team Skills, cadets develop discipline, friendship and teamwork by making a difference in their community.

Cadets take part in activities including self-defence training, marching, fitness and role-playing as well as taking part in team building weekends. They also gain an insight into police life, through talks by speakers from different departments and agencies and by taking part in policing events The cadet teams meet every Thursday night.

Applicants will be required to fill in an initial application form, attend an interview and take part of the Police Initial Recruitment Test.

There are spaces for 14 recruits in each policing area, to start in September.

For details, visit westmercia.police.uk/policecadets.