POLICE cadets will be celebrating completing their basic training at ceremonies in Swindon.

A total of 21 volunteer police cadets from the newly established West Swindon Cadet unit will be presented with certificates by the High Sherriff of Wiltshire, Lady Gooch, at a ceremony on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the North Swindon Cadets unit, which celebrated its first birthday in February, will be holding its second ceremony along with an annual awards event on July 9.

Angus Macpherson, the Swindon and Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am very pleased to congratulate all those involved during the first year of Wiltshire Police Cadets.

“Both the cadets and staff have worked hard this year and I’m please that we have been able to open a second unit in Swindon.

“I am very pleased that the High Sheriff is supporting the young people and this initiative; we look forward to supporting the office of the high sheriff in the future.”

The ceremony marks the end of basic training during which the cadets, aged from 13 to 17, undertake a programme which includes rank structures, basic law, health and safety and the phonetic alphabet.

Having completed their basic training, the cadets will work alongside officers and members of the Special Constabulary at community events and activities.

Sergeant Steve McGlynn, the youth engagement lead for Wiltshire Police, said: “I am delighted that we are recognising the achievements of young people in Wiltshire.

“Over the last few months we have really challenged these young people and taken them out of their comfort zones.

“Each week they are gaining new skills such as using radios, first aid or speaking to the public.

“It is great to see how much their confidence has grown since they joined us.”