Follow Alex and learn life skills as an Army cadet

Currently 16 young cadets and their five adult insructors meet at the Defence Intelligence & Security Centre at Chicksands on Monday and Wednesday evenings, where they take part in activities designed to boost life skills.

There are places available for more boys and girls who live in the Shefford, Henlow and Chicksands areas.

The cadet service is also looking for adults who share a passion for helping young people to achieve.

It is not necessary to have previous military experience or a high level of fitness.

A teachers’ evening is planned to enable staff from local schools to explore the benefits of cadet service.

Alex Smith, from Wilstead, joined the cadet force when he was just 12.

Now aged 18, he is a Cadet Company Sergeant Major .

Alex holds a BTEC extended diploma in public services and is the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the county of Beds.

Alex has been nominated by the Samuel Whitbread Academy at Shefford for the Young Person of the Year Award 2015, for his selfless support of others at his school and in his community.

Proud mum Clare, aged 41, is the Sergeant Instructor in charge of Chicksands detachment, which whe runs with Alex and her daughter Rhiannon, aged 14, by her side.

See www.armycadets.com