Police cadets from the island and Britain had their skills in endurance, teamwork and strategy tested at an annual competition.

The fifth EVF Challenge, which took place at Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre in West Baldwin over the weekend, saw 88 young cadets compete.

Each team had to get as many points on the scoreboard as possible in archery, canoe orienteering, assault course and water rocket launching activities in the hopes of their team becoming this year’s champions.

A number of teams entered from across the British Isles.

They included Croydon Volunteer Police Cadets, Kingston Volunteer Police Cadets and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, who won the UK police cadets championships this year.

Humberside Police Cadets were presented the winning trophy by Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

Isle of Man Volunteer Police Youth Scheme came second.

Mary-Lou Nowell, aged 17, from Humberside cadets, said: ’The EVF Challenge is one of the best things I’ve done.

’The activities are very enjoyable and it’s been amazing speaking to other cadets and police members from all across the country.

’I’m absolutely trying to get into the force. I’ve been speaking to a lot of the officers here to get information on what they did to get in.’

John Gray, 16, an island cadet, said it’s been helpful ’talking to people about their experiences as police cadets and how police operate in different ways’.

Rhonda Whittaker, 16, from the island, added that being a cadet for just over a year has been ’really fun’. ’The EVF Challenge gives you skills that police should have,’ she said.

Values

Douglas PC Mike Griffiths, who led the weekend event, said: ’It’s been pretty phenomenal. All teams got into the spirit of the work, which reflects police values and it’s a great opportunity to show off the Isle of Man.’

They thanked the event’s sponsors: Ellan Vannin Fuels, Civil Defence, HSS Tool and Equipment Hire, Shoprite, Mannvend, Agrimark, Robinsons, Ace Hire, WDS Limited, Isle of Man Transport and the Steam Packet, as well as hosts Ardwhallan.

The island’s police cadet scheme offers young people the opportunity to gain an insight into the police service. Cadets join from school years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16).