YOUNG people from Droitwich interested in becoming police cadets will have an extra two weeks to get their applications in after the deadline was extended.

The deadline has been moved from Sunday, April 6 to Sunday, April 20 to allow time for more people to apply.

The cadet scheme is open to 16-year-olds who have finished secondary education and are eligible to start at a sixth form or other further education college; begin an apprenticeship or seek employment in September.

The scheme runs every Thursday evening from 6-9pm over two years, which includes everything from self-defence training, marching, and fitness, to role-playing, team building, and outward bound weekends.

Sgt Alex Warner, West Mercia Police cadets co-ordinator, said: "Although we have received a good number of applications across all five areas, we recognise that this is a busy time for year 11s with exams and further education choices so have decided to extend the deadline to give everyone the chance to apply. Any year 11 student who lives in the West Mercia force area is eligible, and as our existing cadets would tell them there is a lot on offer."

For more information, or to download an application form, visit westmercia.police.uk/policecadets/.