HARWICH Police Cadets has been launched in a bid to help to teach youngsters skills in policing.

The Volunteer Police Cadets is a uniformed voluntary youth organisation, supported by the police, and open to people aged between 13 and 18 years old.

The Police Cadets teach young people skills in policing, and some may assist police officers with low-risk activities.

The aim is to prepare young people for their future by providing varied activities and opportunities to develop qualifications, enhance inter-personal skills, and achieve a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "It’s been a long time coming but Harwich Police Cadets has been launched.

"Those involved are immensely proud of the volunteer leaders and excited for what we are going to offer the young people of Harwich.

"Colleagues from all departments wish the initiative every success and are looking forward to see how the scheme, and those who benefit from it, develops.

"It's time to give something back."

The cadets started in Harwich on Thursday, April 25.