St Albans and Harpenden volunteer police cadets were put through their paces at the weekend when they took second place against other cadet groups in Hertfordshire.

The cadets, aged between 13 and 18 years, were joined by 45 cadet leaders and 47 role play volunteers to take part in a number of team building exercises.

These included giving evidence in a mock court, dealing with a three car road traffic collision and a shield run, where the cadets had to run 500 metres carrying a heavy shield wearing a riot helmet. They also had their fitness tested against the ‘bleep test’, rescued a ‘hostage’ and ‘arrested’ a theft suspect.

The overall winners were the Welwyn Hatfield police cadets, with St Albans and Hertsmere a close second and third place.

PC Ross Paybody, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Volunteer Police Cadet co-ordinator, said: "This was the second cadet competition and it was bigger and better than last year’s with more cadets taking part. During the event the cadets had the opportunity to test their skills, meet other cadets from the county and compete in a number of activities."

St Albans & Harpenden Volunteer Police Cadets are currently recruiting for new cadets starting this September aged between 14 and 18-years-old, who live or attend school in St Albans. For more information or an application pack email steven.alison@herts.pnn.police.uk or visit www.herts.police.uk/cadets.