CHRISTCHURCH Cadets spent the weekend helping to improve the grounds of a primary school as part of the Community Week of activities.

Members of the Christchurch Detachment Dorset Army Cadet Force painted fences, sheds and benches and undertook landscaping at Somerford Primary School.

It formed part of the national Community Week initiative which encourages volunteering and developing good citizenship skills.

Executive head teacher, Mrs Matthews, said: “Having the young cadets at the school helping tidy things up is a real pleasure, they’ve come, in numbers and with great enthusiasm and done a great job. It’s fantastic to see young people from the local area having a sense of community and we were delighted to accept the offer of help.”

Detachment commander Sgt Thor Elsson added: “The opportunity to help the school was one the cadets jumped at as many of them are former pupils. The work ethic they put into their cadet activities has been brought to their task here this weekend and they’ve worked extremely hard to accomplish all they have in two days.

"I’d also like to thank the staff and several parents who kept us supplied with refreshments over the weekend – it all certainly helped keep everyone full of energy.”

This was the first ever community week organised by the ACF, who over the last year have been busy helping people in their local community and supporting charities, as well as taking part in various ceremonial activities.

They will be taking part in the Burton Veterans Parade in June as well as with the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Parade.

And adults interested in helping out are also needed. No previous military experience or high levels of fitness are needed.

For more information about the Army Cadets and to find out how to join as a cadet or an adult instructor, visit www.armycadets.com.