A VOLUNTEER Police Cadet project is being set up in Cardigan.

The nationally-recognised scheme will be the first time it has been set up in the town and will involve 15 youngsters aged between 13 and 18 from Cardigan School, Newcastle Emlyn School and Preseli School.

An induction course has already been held and the cadets will meet for two hours every week.

Sgt Delme Jones, from Cardigan’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The idea is to give the youngsters a sense of responsibility and discipline and also to give something back to the local community.

“We are not looking to recruit future police officers, but want to give young people a chance to be heard, support their community and develop skills to become fantastic citizens in a fun, friendly and exciting way.”

The idea is for the scheme to grow over the next few years, with the older, more experienced members then able to take on more responsibility and mentor the newer recruits.

“They will be integrating with people they might not normally meet, be introduced to all aspects of policing and it will be good experience to add to their CV,” added Sgt Jones.

“There will be the chance to support their own community through volunteering and social action projects, while learning and developing new skills and gaining an insight into policing.”