Police cadets from around the county enjoyed taking part in their passing out parade today.

More than 100 young people from Tonbridge, Canterbury and Medway were involved in the ceremony at the Kent Police Training School in Maidstone.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Blaker and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott congratulated the new cadets, who have been engaged with the force's volunteer police cadet scheme for 13 to 17-year-olds.

Newly appointed cadet ambassador and paralympian Charlotte Evans MBE also attended the event.

The scheme, which opened last year, aims to inspire young people, whilst promoting a practical understanding of policing.

Cadets meet once a week for up to three hours during term-time, with additional time each month spent working on a community project.

Chloe Newbury, one of the Tonbridge cadets, said: "I joined up because this was something different available for children my age. I’d always wanted to be a police officer and being a cadet has just made me want to pursue that even more."

Amy Carter, another Tonbridge cadet, said: "I’m interested in forensic science and when I heard about the Cadets it seemed a good opportunity for me to learn more about it."

More youngsters from Dover, Maidstone, and Gravesend will complete their training in the next few months.

ACC Blaker said: "I am very proud to be able to welcome the cadets to Kent Police. We have developed our own programme to allow the cadets the opportunity to develop qualifications, enhance their inter-personal skills and confidence, whilst achieving a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

"Our own Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Brandon, started his policing career as a cadet so I hope this inspires our new cadets."

Matthew Scott added: "Today is a momentous day for Kent and Medway, and comes at the end of almost a year of hard work.

"I’m delighted to be here today to see these first 100 youngsters celebrate the passing of their initial training and wearing their new uniforms with pride.

"I met some of them for the first time at my Youth Forum event in December but today I’d like to officially welcome them all to the Kent Police family.

"Some of Kent Police’s current crop of Chief Officers began their policing careers as cadets and I hope some of the boys and girls here today will be inspired to follow that same path in the years to come."