A HILPERTON teenager was one of many whose work was celebrated at the Volunteer Police Cadet of the Year awards in Trowbridge.

Sam Emery was awarded the title of Unit Cadet of the Year for the town by Wiltshire Police for his hard work and dedication to the initiative, since the age of 13, which aims to enhance the relationship between the public and police.

The now 15-year-old said he has always had a keen interest in the idea of joining the force but never expected to be on a path to achieve it.

“I got told about the police cadets by my careers officer at school. I have always wanted to join the police anyway and so when the opportunity came up, she immediately thought of me and so I looked into it a bit more,” the St Augustine’s College student added.

“It was a relatively new thing when I joined as it only started two years ago. But since then, I think the thing I have enjoyed most about being part of the cadets is walking around talking to people within the community. We went to the Armed Forces Weekend and getting to talk to people about what we do as cadets was so nice.

“To find out on the night that I had been awarded unit cadet of the year was a bit of a surprise and my dad and step mum were there to see it all happen as well.”

The awards ceremony, held at the Civic Centre last Tuesday, brought together 85 cadets from units in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Swindon for the very first time.

Among those who attended were Wiltshire Police’s youth lead sergeant Steve McGlynn, assistant chief constable Paul Mills, police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson and former High Sheriff Lady Gooch.

Assistant chief constable Paul Mills said: “The commitment, enthusiasm and standards that the cadets have shown throughout the year have been exemplary. Their participation in the scheme is on top of other competing demands such as school work, exams, other hobbies and spending time with family and friends.

“We all share the aspiration, to ensure that young people are able to play an active and important part in policing within the county.”

For more information about the police cadets, visit www.wiltshire.police.uk/jobs/volunteer-police-cadets.