SADLY, in some sections of society there seems to be a real disconnect between young people and the police.

Whatever the reason for it is, a team of hardy volunteers are doing their best to change things with the Colchester Voluntary Police Cadets.

The group, which has been running for 20 months, has attracted a total of 36 cadets who are being taught lifeskills framed around the police ethos.

Det Con Ben Pedro Anido was honoured for his work with the cadets at the Essex Police Awards last month and is the deputy unit leader.

He said working with youngsters is a way to give something back.

"I was never a cadet but I joined the police when I was very young," he said.

"I was 18 when I joined up, and for me getting involved in this project was about giving something back.

"It is about having the opportunity to work with young people.

"Sadly, there is not the relationship between the police and young people is not what it used to be and the days of going into schools regularly are not what they once were.

"Cadets can help to bridge the gap.

"At the moment we meet once once per week and we work on a number of areas which follow the police ethos and the police programme.

"At certain times we want to go out into the community and help out on projects which can lead to safer communities."

Anyone aged between 13 and 18 is eligible to join.

Nationally, cadet organisations aim to have 25 per cent of the people attending from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Det Con Pedro Anido said he was not in the business of trying to find the next generation of bobbies on the beat.

He said: "The aim is definitely not to recruit cops.

"There might be those who are interested in what we are doing and go down that pathways but it is certainly not the number one intention or purpose of what we do.

"The idea is to give them good skills based around the police programme."

As part of the project, 24 cadets took part in an outward bound activity course in Aberdovey in Wales where they took part in a number of outdoor activities designed to work on their leadership, teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.

During an overnight expedition they battled 50mph winds and eight hours of rain, as well as trying their hand at rock climbing, trapeze, pier jumping and a gorge walk.

Guy Fletcher, who helped set up the unit, said:"A thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all and I am enormously proud of how the cadets came together and put their team building to the test.

“The cadets pushed themselves well beyond their comfort zones and overcame challenges that they never thought possible.

"The week was described by one cadet as both the best and worst week of my life.

“The team have taken away experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

For more information about the cadets visit essex.police.uk/join-the-police-en/volunteers/cadets.