AIR Cadets striving for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards had a helping hand from the police.

The youngsters, from 1409 Consett Squadron Air Training Corps, were visited by the Commandant of Durham Special Constabulary, Geoff Knupfer.

Mr Knupfer gave a talk about the police service and its specialist departments such as the Air Support Unit, CID and Crime Scene Investigation.

The cadets were given the opportunity to see police equipment, including a helmet and handcuffs.

Mr Knupfer presented cadet Sarah Lawson, from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, with her swimming competency certificate.

The Squadron meets on Mondays and Fridays at its Parliament Street headquarters in Consett, from 7pm to 9pm.