Police cadets from Wisbech and Meadowgate have won a national award.

Wisbech Standard: Cambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in WisbechCambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in Wisbech (Image: Archant)

Seventeen cadets from the two groups and five leaders attended an event at Buckingham Palace. They were presented with the award in front of more than 300 guests, including The Prince of Wales.

Emilia Reeves, a volunteer police cadet, said “It was wonderful to represent the cadets at the ceremony and to give a good impression of Wisbech at such an amazing event.”

The cadets won the award after teaming up to organise a waste management operation in support of Volunteers Week.

Sergeant Caroline Scully, who is in charge of the Wisbech cadets, said: “I am exceptionally proud of the Wisbech cadets for their planning and preparation for this event.

Wisbech Standard: Cambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in Wisbech. Fenland cadets dedicated 133 hours to planning and another 116 hours of volunteering within their community, including their litter pick.Cambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in Wisbech. Fenland cadets dedicated 133 hours to planning and another 116 hours of volunteering within their community, including their litter pick. (Image: Archant)

“I was really pleased with the way the group conducted themselves at their recent trip to Buckingham Palace, a once in a lifetime experience for all involved.”

After identifying areas of concern in the Wisbech area, the group decided that they would merge into an inclusive team to engage with their community, exercising waste management as an issue within Wisbech, especially discarded drinks containers.

The team cleared waste in public areas to support a wider, long-term policing response. They organised the equipment, refreshments for the community who helped and wrote letters to invite other organisations along.

Fenland cadets dedicated 133 hours to planning and another 116 hours of volunteering within their community, including their litter pick.

Wisbech Standard: Cambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in Wisbech. Fenland cadets dedicated 133 hours to planning and another 116 hours of volunteering within their community, including their litter pick.Cambs police commissioner Jason Ablewhite in Wisbech. Fenland cadets dedicated 133 hours to planning and another 116 hours of volunteering within their community, including their litter pick. (Image: Archant)

They have highlighted that social action was a large part of the volunteer police cadet role and therefore would be their contribution to national Volunteers’ Week