ADULT volunteers have been urged to take part in the Army Cadet Force, and help support the region’s 1,500 cadets.

Adult instructor numbers are struggling to keep up with demand, with detachments in Acomb, Fulford, Lumley and Strensall among 46 locations run by volunteers who supervise weekend camps, adventurous training and parade evenings.

Cadet Abigail Howard, from Fulford detachment, said: “I love every minute of being a cadet. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is a great place to make new friends, develop skills and enjoy experiences that many other people my age rarely get the chance to do. But the whole unit can only exist if we continue to have enough adult volunteers. Without them we will struggle to continue providing quality training and opportunities for other cadets like me.”

Jon Waites, a volunteer instructor at the Acomb detachment, said: “Volunteering with the ACF, even for just a few hours a week, is enormously rewarding and a great privilege. Besides having the opportunity to play a leading role in the development of young people, it’s also a terrific way to take part in a range of exciting military-orientated pursuits – from training weekends and summer camp holidays, to white-water rafting and rock climbing.”

Colonel Malcolm Render, Commandant for Yorkshire North and West Army Cadet Force, said: “The ACF is one of the most prestigious youth organisations in the country.

“Its popularity means we need more adult instructors to lead the cadets and deliver the quality of experiences, adventures and community projects – including the Duke of Edinburgh award – which our cadets enjoy. We’d love to hear from people who are willing to offer their time and enthusiasm to join our ranks as an adult instructor.”

Volunteers do not need military experience, and qualifications can be gained which may help in the workplace.

For more information go to armycadets.com