TEENAGERS are being given the chance to join their very own police academy.

Lancashire Constabulary's Pennine Division - covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale - is piloting a new Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme for the force - one of only three in the entire country - to give local 16 to 19-year-olds a chance to experience life behind the scenes of their local police service.

The young cadets will get to learn more about the different police departments from Crime Scene Investigation and Community Safety to the Support Unit and Armed Response Teams.

They will also be invited on a outdoor pursuit weekend to encourage team building and also be able to take part in their own crime prevention events and projects and hear more about what is being done to tackle crime and disorder from specialist guest speakers.

And the course will even lead to a B-Tech accreditation.

Volunteer Cadet Co-ordinator PC Mike Aspden said: "The Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme aims to give young people a chance to express their feelings on crime and to learn more about what is being done to tackle crime and disorder in and around their local community.

"However, the scheme is not just a learning experience for youngsters, it's also a chance to do something new and exciting, to enjoy a memorable experience and to learn new skills and make new friends.

"Existing schemes in Wigan and Hertfordshire has been phenomenally successful and we are hoping to emulate that success here in Lancashire.

"We're delighted that Pennine Division, which encompasses the three boroughs of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, has been selected to pilot the scheme in Lancashire and very much looking forward to meeting our new Voluntary Police Cadets."

training for the cadets begins on March 23 and will last 38 weeks.

Meetings will be held every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm at a venue in the Burnley area.

During the training, the recruits will be addressed by different policing teams and partner agencies, take part in crime prevention projects, attend the team building weekend and, at the end of their training, celebrate their success at a presentation dinner.

As well as an insight in the modern day policing service, cadets will obtain a BTEC Foundation Award, Key Skills Award and a Millennium Volunteers Award certificates and course report and a variety of new skills and experiences.

The scheme will be being advertised in all schools and colleges from today.

Anyone aged 16 to 19 who is interested in the new scheme should contact PC Mike Apsden at Padiham Police Station on 01282 472304.