Volunteer police cadets are to patrol Whitehaven town centre this summer.

The cadets from Cumbria Constabulary, aged between 13 and 18, will help out at events in St Nicholas’ Gardens and carry out work in the community, such as litter-picking and painting, while under the supervision of police officers.

The programme aims to give young people a chance to make a positive contribution to their community.

At a recent Whitehaven Town Council meeting, members voted in favour of the scheme.

Councillor Chris Hayes, who represents Kells, said: “It’s a fantastic idea. I think it will be great for the town.

“It will be great for the youth to take responsibility for the town.

“A friend of mine was a cadet and went on to join the police force.”

Coun Hayes also highlighted the positive impact the cadets will have on other young people.

“It’s good for them to see other youths looking after the town. It’s easier for them to speak to someone their own age.

“Having a police presence – it discourages anti-social behaviour.

“I think this is an amazing idea and I fully support it.

“It should have been done 20 years ago.”

Councillor Carl Walmsley, who represents Mirehouse, has also voiced his support for the scheme.

He said: “I’m all for kids building good relationships with the police and seeing their good work upfront.

“Their getting involved in improving the look of our town might inspire them to want to get more involved in maintaining and respecting our surroundings in the long term.”

Councillor Brian O’Kane, who represents Bransty, believes the programme will benefit both the older and younger generations.

He said: “I think it will be really good for the young people to get involved with something like that, to see some of the issues in town under the guidance of police, whether it’s somebody parking in the wrong place, or somebody leaving litter.

“When we went through the initiative, it seemed very good for everybody, particularly the older generation, to see the kids getting involved.

“It might also help us as adults stop and think about what we’re doing if we see kids turn around and say, ‘why have you done that?’

“One of the biggest problems we have these days is the disappearance of a police presence in town centres.

“This is one way of having some visibility, especially during the summer period.”