STUDENTS at a Basingstoke school received awards from the British Transport Police (BTP) for their work as cadets.

On March 7, 17 students from Aldworth School in Year 9,10 and 11 accepted certificates and epaulettes from the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke for their work as cadets. 

Sergeant Tony Freeman from the BTP Cadet Unit presented the awards in recognition of the Cadet Unit Leaders, Irene Williams, Jennie Bramdom and Nicola Lawrence. 

The BTP cadet unit in Aldworth is the first school unit in the country, with only five units total in country.  

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Chris Rice, headteacher of Aldworth said: “It was a wonderful occasion for the cadets to show off their uniform and their appreciation for the unit and fellow cadets. Their smiles said it all on the night”.

Cadets meet weekly after school to learn about BTP work, as well as community policing, reporting road traffic accidents. They have also seen inside a BTP vehicle with a cell for holding prisoners.

Basingstoke Gazette: Cadet Leaders, Alfie and Kathryn, with the Mayor and Mayoress. Cadet Leaders, Alfie and Kathryn, with the Mayor and Mayoress. (Image: Aldworth School)

Cllr Paul Miller, Mayor of Basingstoke, said: "What a great opportunity to acknowledge everything good about the young people of Basingstoke.

"To see these cadets parade into the hall and accept their certificates with such grace is a joyful moment for not only themselves but their families, friends and teachers.”

In the upcoming months, cadets will plant trees on the school grounds as part of the Queen’s Canopy project.

Trips are planned to visit the fire station in Basingstoke and receive representatives from the BTP Disruption Unit.

Irene Williams, cadet leader, said: “We look forward to what the future holds for the unit and we welcome students from Year 9 upwards who are interested in making a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others.”