VOLUNTEER Police Cadets from Thurrock have been boosted by a donation to use towards community projects.

Cadets from the borough were on hand to help Essex Chambers of Commerce with its recent Festival of Business and have been rewarded for their efforts.

For they were presented with a £500 cheque to use towards community projects.

Denise Rossiter, chief executive officer of the Essex Chambers of Commerce says: "Our Festival of Business was a fabulous event and ran with precision and smoothness thanks to the very welcome help of the Volunteer Police Cadets who marshalled the car park, looked after business guests and got to speak with some of the business exhibitors too.

"In Essex, our Volunteer Police Cadets are something to be proud of and, when it comes to hosting another event of this size, I would have no hesitation in seeking their help.

"They are a credit to Essex Police and the wonderful county we live in."

The event in Chelmsford attracted more than 80 Essex business exhibitors and guest speakers promoting the diversity and sustainability of business in our county.

Seven cadets from the Thurrock VPC Unit, two of their leaders – police community support officer JoJo Mitchell and Ryan Harrison – and cadet co-ordinator Neil Dibell had volunteered to help with marshalling and other jobs to help the Festival at Hylands House in Chelmsford run smoothly.

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Mr Dibell said: "The donation from Essex Chambers of Commerce was a lovely surprise and gratefully received. The cadets are now thinking hard about how they can use this money to benefit the communities they live in.

"It was a great experience for them to be involved in helping at such an event and to see the wide diversity of business and opportunities across Essex.

"Our cadets thoroughly enjoyed assisting in the running of the day and getting a chance to see and talk to some of the businesses in the county as they think about their future career options."

There are 13 volunteer cadet units in Essex: Basildon, Brentwood, Braintree, Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford & Maldon, Castle Point & Rochford, Epping, Harlow, Harwich, Thurrock, Southend and Uttlesford. They sometimes have vacancies. To register your interest or to find out more about what cadets do, visit www.essex.police.uk/cadets.