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FIVE teenagers have signed up to join the Army Cadet Force in Cheadle during a recruitment drive.

They have joined the Leek Road based ACF and will begin training with the existing 20 strong group.

The Cadets parade on Tuesday and Thursday each week where they get the chance to learn marching, field craft, basic itinerary, maps and compass and first aid skills.

In charge of the group is Sergeant James Shemmeld.

He took up the role of detachment commander six months ago but has been in the cadets since he was 12

The 30-year-old, from Leek, said: "A lot of people think joining the cadets means you have to join the Army but this is not the case. A lot of people join because it's something to do, and its a way of getting kids off the streets.

"We give the chance to do something different, we have weekends away and go abroad."

Sgt Shemmeld works during the day at Alton Towers driving a bus but he parades weekly at the cadet centre in Cheadle.

And as part of the ACF training, he has arranged for them to do a clean up of the theme park for a community project.

The cadets have to complete several subjects to enable them to become master cadets and the clean up of Alton Towers – which takes place on November 7 – will enable them to pass the community section.

There is also an opportunity to gain a BTEC, which is equivalent to an NVQ or four GCSEs.

Sgt Shemmeld said: "The BTEC is a way for people who are struggling at college to gain some qualifications and for those who aren't, it's something extra."

The BTEC includes assessments, which are carried out while training is in process, and are based on public services.

Dan Malbon, aged 13, of Cheadle, has been a member of the cadets for 12 months.

He said: "I joined the cadets because my mates were going and they were doing adventure training and marching, so I went along. I enjoy it loads, we take it seriously but we have fun too.

"We get to do field craft, seeking out the enemy and first aid, and we do target shooting like they do in the Olympics."

Dan is planning to stay in the Cadets until he's 18 so he can gain his qualifications. He said: "I'm enjoying it already and the course is helping me while I'm having fun."

Dan is unsure whether or not he wants a career in the Army and says his parents have advised him to get a trade.

He said: "I'd probably do plumbing or be an electrician because I'd always have something to fall back on."

The cadets regularly travel around the UK to other detachments and Dan recently spent a week in Kent for Annual Camp.

He added: "I enjoy going to other detachments because of the experience and I get to explore new places. I've made loads of friends from all over the UK."

The ACF is planning another recruitment drive on November 22nd at Britannia Stadium, where a recruiting caravan will be in attendance for prospective Adult Instructors and Cadets.

To learn more or find out about joining contact Sgt James Shemmeld on 07825551995 or email him at j.shemmeld@armymail.mod.uk.

If you know of any upcoming events or have any news then please email: news@staffsacf.org without delay.