POLICE cadets have won a competition designed to test youngsters' potential as future officers.

Twelve cadets, aged 14 to 18, from the Lewisham Police Cadet Unit competed against hundreds of other budding young officers at the Met's police training centre in Hendon.

The competition tested basic policing skills as well as physical fitness, first aid, orienteering and teamwork.

Judges scored Lewisham's youngsters higher than the 24 other units meaning the team improved on last year's third-place finish.

Sergeant Steve Marks, who runs the unit, said, "The cadet staff and I are immensely proud of what they have achieved. To know our cadets proved themselves to be the best is something the whole borough can be proud of."

Lewisham cadets meet every Tuesday evening and take part in activities most weekends. They also provide support to the police and many community groups.

For more information call 07980 667 358 or visit met.police.uk/cadets