FIRST aid, road safety, and forensics were among the topics taught to a group of Redditch school children, who passed their Young Cadets course with flying colours.

Students from Church Hill Middle School were handed their certificates for passing the seven-week course as part of a passing out ceremony on July 18.

The course was taught to a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and led by PCSOs Michael Smith and Vicki Maxwell of Winyates and Matchborough Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Covering topics including communication, security, and fingerprints, the course is designed to show what police do on a day-to-day basis and provide practical advice about policing issues.

PCSO Smith said: “Both myself and Vicki have really enjoyed leading this course.

“It has allowed us to share our skills and knowledge with the students while also giving them an insight into what it is like to work for the police.

“We are very proud of the young cadets and would like to commend them for their commitment, willingness to attend the sessions after school hours and their enthusiasm and interest in the subjects.

“By becoming junior cadets and taking part in these fun-packed programmes, it teaches them how to become responsible citizens and could inspire a future generation of officers.”

It is also hoped the scheme could encourage some of the participants to join the regular Cadets when they are 16.