Army cadets groups in Grantham and throughout South Kesteven are keen to take on new recuits

Army cadets groups in Grantham and throughout South Kesteven are keen to take on new recuits.

An invitation to young people has been made to see if they would like to join. There is also a call for adult volunteers to help run detachments in Grantham, Bourne, Market Deeping and Stamford.

Councillor Richard Dixon-Warren, South Kesteven District Council Armed Forces Champion, said: “I would urge anyone interested to get in touch with their local cadet group, whether Army, police, Air Force or within their own schools and try it for themselves.

“What the cadet force offers young people can truly be a game changer, helping to develop character and improve wellbeing and life and career chances.”

Open to anyone from 12 to 18, the national youth organisation offers equal opportunities to learn new skills, experience new challenges and adventures, make friends, develop teamwork and build confidence.

There are employability workshops which can help cadets with their career ambitions. Cadets can also work towards qualifications including all stages of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and nationally recognised vocational awards.

Life-saving training made teenage Army cadet William Craft a stand-out winner of last year’s Neil Smith Beyond the Call of Duty award in the council-run SK Community Awards.

William, a Staff Sergeant with Bourne cadets, encountered a serious road accident involving a motorcyclist who was unconscious and not breathing.

Thanks to his first aid training course the weekend before, he got the motorcyclist breathing again until emergency services arrived. The man made a full recovery.

SKDC Housing Officer and Adult Cadet Force Volunteer Drew Palmer is the Bourne detachment commander. He said: “We were very proud of William, who perfectly illustrated the benefits of joining the cadet force. I see shy 12-year-olds come in and watch them develop and mature until they leave as confident skilled young adults.

“For any adult thinking they don’t have the skills to help as a volunteer, don’t worry, we can train you and can promise how rewarding it is to be involved.”

For full details go to www.armycadets.com