VOLUNTEER police cadets from Salisbury were recognised at a special awards ceremony.

The event, which took place at Trowbridge Civic centre on Tuesday, July 18, was attended by 80 cadets and brought cadet units from Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Swindon together for the second year running.

There were a number of commendations and awards for the most improved cadet of the year, unit cadet of the year and High Sheriff cadet of the year.

Wiltshire Police’s Youth Lead Sergeant Steve McGlynn was joined by Assistant Chief Constable Paul Mills and Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson. Other guests included High Sheriff Lady Marland and Cadets Patron Lady Gooch.

Amongst the winners were Tom Vaughan who received the award for the Most Improved Cadet of the Year for Salisbury.

PC Tracey Holloway said: "This cadets confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. At the start of the year he was very shy and withdrawn, but by the attestation he spoke wonderfully with hardly any help from staff. He has made good friendships at cadets and always participates well in activities. He will often put his hand up to answer a question and more recently at Amesbury Youth Parade was communicating well with members of the public."

Tierney Walker was awarded the Unit Cadet of the Year for Salisbury.

PC Holloway said: "This cadet has excelled in drill, standing out every week as the sharpest cadet. Her uniform is always immaculate; she is punctual, confident and has a pleasant demeanour. She has attended a number of cadet activities, such as the spring clean and the charity sleep out.

"She takes cadets very seriously, and is an all-around friendly member of the unit. At the Amesbury Youth parade she volunteered to do the reading in the church service. She was given the brief and researched a suitable reading online which she read beautifully."

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Mills said: “The commitment, enthusiasm and standards that the cadets have shown throughout the year have been exemplary. Their participation in the scheme is on top of other competing demands such as school work, exams, other hobbies and spending time with family and friends.

“The Chief Constable, Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Officer Team are all exceptionally proud of the cadets and our cadet scheme.

“We all share the aspiration, to ensure that young people are able to play an active and important part in policing within the county.”

Sergeant Steve McGlynn said: “As a result of the cadet’s devotion, the scheme is going from strength to strength.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers, the cadet leaders and volunteers. None of this would be possible without their help and support”.

Any young people interested in becoming a Wiltshire Police Volunteer Cadet should contact Sergeant McGlynn at cadets@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.