A recently-elected county councillor has launched a funding campaign to support the Blidworth detachment of the Nottinghamshire Army Cadets.

Co Coun Tom Smith, who represents Rainworth and Blidworth, is calling on local businesses to help raise money for the group to undertake a Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.

After a visit to the detachment, based on New Lane, Blidworth, Tom said: “The cadets provide amazing opportunities for our youngsters. Where else can you learn first aid, military drill, map reading and survival skills alongside making friends, developing your confidence and leadership skills — all whilst having fun.

“There are so few meaningful opportunities for our young people these days, so I think we need to get behind things like the cadets to make sure they can long flourish and thrive, and continue providing these opportunities in Rainworth and Blidworth.

“I’m working to try to secure funding from Nottinghamshire County Council, but obviously that’s only one pot of money. What I’d really like to see alongside this is local businesses getting behind this group and offering to help out — by sponsoring or in any way they can.”

Craig Williams, head of the Blidworth detachment, added: “I see the cadets as a fantastic opportunity for children to come and develop a skill set that isn’t taught in main stream education. We also try to make the ACF a safe area for the cadets to grow their own self-confidence.

“We have children who come to us very shy and unsure, some with behavioural needs. It’s the structure we put in place around the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, NVQs and the drills and activities that help these kids move on in society and hopefully go on to live more meaningful lives. The ACF moto is Inspire to Achieve.

“We have had brilliant support in the past and we are extremely grateful to businesses like Sam’s Workplace, Rainworth; Rainworth and Bildworth parish councils, the Lions, and Lake View Primary School, Rainworth. However, the funding we receive is always limited and we are always looking for new areas we can fundraise for our cadets. We are extremely grateful for all donations.”

Any business wanting to help should email [email protected] or [email protected].

Blidworth Cadets, open to 12 to 18-year-olds, train every Monday, from 7pm-9pm. If you are interested in finding out more, call in on a Monday to meet Craig and the cadets to see what they offer.