Thanet based members of the Kent Army Cadet Force have been among 600 youngsters who have recently been on annual camp at Thetford in Norfolk.

Their two-week long stint away saw them experiencing everything from adventure training to first aid training, and orienteering to night exercises.

Honorary Colonel of KACF, the Viscount De L’Isle, visited the camp and was able to watch the cadets taking part in some of these activities.

He said: “The training cadets have enjoyed has been a mix of military and adventure training which has built on their skills and helped them with their endurance and confidence. Having spent two days with the cadets I can say they were truly 'happy campers’.”

Apart from their usual training the cadets were able to take part in kayaking, mountain bike riding and climbing on the mobile climbing tower, supervised by the county adventure training team.

VIP visitors, including the High Sheriff of Kent, Mr Richard Oldfield, and Col Richard Dixon, Chairman of the Kent Committee of SE Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, were welcomed by the Commandant, Col Robert Murfin. They were able to see the cadets in action and take part in some of the activities.

During camp two senior cadets and two adult instructors completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition while other groups took part in 48 hour exercises, cooking and sleeping on the training area. An initial training course was also run for new instructors who have joined Kent ACF.

Col Murfin said: “Despite some very wet weather, all the cadets have really enjoyed camp this year. This is due in no small part to the professionalism of their instructors who have been able to make their training fun.

"We do need more adult instructors, and especially more female instructors, to enable us to build on our success."