MEMBERS of the Bovey Tracey Army Cadet Force took part in a litter pick exercise in Heathfield.

It was the first of a planned series of similar events across part of Teignbridge.

Sergeant Major Spence Bartlett said: ‘We’ll be doing similar clean-ups in Chudleigh, Chudleigh Knighton, Hennock and some parts of Bovey Tracey. – although Bovey is already well looked after by its own street cleaner.’

There are 22 Cadets in Detachmant D Company Devon Army Cadet Force, but owing to some being unavailable due to being away, a still impressive 14 Cadets turned up on the night. Between them they managed to fill some 10 bin bags with all sorts of discarded rubbish – mainly paper and plastic, but among the stranger finds were a Bluetooth speaker and parts of old bikes.

The detachment meets in St Johns Lane TQ13 9FF (Opposite the Jolly Roger) in term time between 7pm-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The detachment commander is Sgt Major Bartlett, instructors are Sgt N Clarke and probationary instructors L Easterbrook and M Wood.

SM Bartlett said: ‘We were hit hard by Covid which saw a fall in numbers but we have built back since.

‘We need another five Cadets to get back to a full complement, and have some space

for additional young people aged 12-18yrs starting in September.

‘Devon Army Cadet Force (ACF) is part of a national youth organisation aimed at inspiring young people to achieve both physically and mentally whilst developing self-confidence, teamwork and leadership.’

If you are interested in joining Devon ACF, either as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer to work with young people, or as a Cadet (if you are aged 12-18),find out more at armycadets.com.