SCORES of police cadets from across Cleveland will be recognised in a ceremony on Thursday night.

A total of 75 young people aged between 13 and 18 will receive certificates for their voluntary work improving community safety.

The cadets have taken part in more than 3,000 hours of volunteering since the programme was launched in March 2009.

Family members and local dignitaries who will attend the ceremony will see some of the work that they do as part of an interactive showcase, including a drill display and a home security advice section.

They will also be joined by officers from the police dog section who will be doing a display at the Oakwood Centre in Eaglescliffe.

Cadets are active in Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Middlesbrough.

Police authority member, Pam Andrews-Mawer, said Cleveland Police was the first in the region to recognise the potential benefits, both for the individuals and the police, in giving young people the chance to become involved.

She said: "We set ourselves a target of a programme for 80 young people across the force area. Now the figure is approaching 100 and there is a waiting list in each district."