ARMY cadets from Radcliffe have been at the centre of a drugs scare at a military camp in the Lake District.

Four cadets from the Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force were rushed to hospital after falling ill last Thursday evening (Aug 1).

Ministry of Defence security guards at the Warcop training camp raised the alarm fearing the teenagers' drinks had been spiked with drugs, possibly amphetamines. Ambulances took the youngsters to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for treatment as police launched an investigation.

This week army chiefs confirmed that the teenagers, aged around 15, had suffered natural illness. One suffered an epileptic fit, another an asthma attack and one had suspected appendicitis. The fourth cadet underwent tests and was later given the all clear. The youngsters returned to the GMACF's annual camp.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Newman said the entire situation had been blown out of proportion and added that the rumour about spiked drinks was "pure speculation".

The Radcliffe detachment will return to the borough from the camp today (Fri Aug 9).