A RECENTLY formed volunteer police cadet unit has been so popular with young people that they are to set up a second unit.

The scheme, set up by Bournemouth’s Bourne Academy, Dorset Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Dorset, took on its first recruits this month, after 13-17-year-olds were invited to come forward to become Dorset Police cadets.

However, so many young people wanted to join that the first group had to be divided into two, creating a second unit which will be launched in September.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news that this scheme proved so popular we’ve had to set up a second unit, and really proves that there is a demand for this among Dorset’s young people.

“I’m hugely excited that there will shortly be two cadets’ units in Dorset and I am sure we will once again receive large numbers of applications from enthusiastic volunteers eager to help make a difference to young people’s lives by becoming cadet leaders.”

As well as taking part in regular activities, the cadets will also gain a practical understanding of policing and developing their own leadership skills by taking part in community projects – such as supporting older people to understand cybercrime, fundraising for local charities and assisting with road safety campaigns.

Anyone who wants to apply must be aged 18 or over, have good communication skills and be reliable and self-disciplined, and must be willing to take part in training led by the national Volunteer Police Cadets and Dorset Police.

Mark Avoth, Principal of the Bourne Academy, said: “We are extremely proud to be hosting this new cadet unit at The Bourne Academy and delighted with the response from our local community, requiring a second evening to be introduced. We look forward to seeing how the young people who take advantage of this scheme will go on to grow as individuals.”