A new police cadet unit for Beccles has been announced to help raise the aspirations of young people in the community.

Everyone aged between 13 and 18 is invited to apply for a place in the unit, which will be launched in May.

The police cadets meet once a week to develop important qualities like leadership and good citizenship.

There are currently six police cadet schemes in the county, including one in Lowestoft, which is a joint unit with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Assistant chief constable Rachel Kearton said: “I am extremely pleased that our cadet scheme is being extended to cover other parts of the county.

“It is crucial that as a police force we engage with young people from an early age and provide them with positive opportunities to contribute towards their communities.

“The scheme allows us to work with young people to equip them with a range of useful life skills, as well as to provide them with an insight into the work of the constabulary and the variety of career paths it can offer. I hope that lots of people take up the opportunity to get involved.”

The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has invested in the growth of the scheme, which will also see units open in Mildenhall and Stowmarket.

He said: “I have seen first-hand the positive impact that being a cadet has had on young people involved in existing units and I am delighted to be able to extend this successful scheme across the county.

“The cadet motto ‘it’s not where you’ve come from, it’s where you’re going that counts’ perfectly encapsulates the aim of the organisation, which is to help young people become good citizens.

“All too often young people make a wrong choice as teenagers and this limits their choices in the future.

“By showing the young people how to make positive life choices it is hoped that they will become good citizens and develop leadership qualities that will help them to become more confident and principled adults.”

The cadets meetings will be held at Beccles Free School on Saturday mornings between 10am and noon, launching on May 28.

Anyone interested in joining the cadet scheme or becoming a leader should contact cadetsinfo@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or call Matt Newman on 101.

Have you got a Beccles story? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk