THE new Warminster Cadet Centre was officially opened last weekend by the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Lt Gen Roddy Cordy-Simpson.

The new building, located on Woodcock Lane opposite New Close Primary School, was built over the course of last year on the site of the former army and air cadet centres.

Containing larger classrooms and drill hall, better computer technology and an enclosed 25metre shooting range, the new building will be shared by both the army cadet force and air training core.

Detachment Commander at the Warminster Cadet Centre, Richard Crawford, said: “We had a good turnout for the opening, including 15 cadets and representatives from the town council and Royal British Legion, so we had good local support.

“At the moment we have 30 cadets but we are in the process of recruiting more and we are always looking for young people aged 12-18-years-old to join and also for adults to volunteer as well.

“The cadets offer the chance for young people to take part in a range of fun activates and it’s about bringing that young person out of their shell and giving them self-reliance.”

As well as a tour of the new building last Saturday, visitors also had the chance to look around stalls set out by cadets to encourage other people to join.

Chairman of Warminster’s Royal British Legion, Roger Kingshott, said: “The opening went really well and it’s obviously an improvement on the old centre.

“It’s got lots of facilities and all they need now is a lot more recruits.

“I certainly think it will encourage more people to join and the cadets themselves at the opening were really enthusiastic.”

For more information, visit https://armycadets.com/