ARMY cadets from Bury have been learning their military skills on an action-packed holiday on the Cornish coast.

The two-week camp has involved around 400 boys and girls from local detachments of the Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force.

Based at Penhale, near Newquay, the teenagers have been put through their paces in various activities, ranging from target-shooting on a rifle range, map reading and orienteering, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, to taking part in a military exercise.

Many of the tasks have helped the youngsters gain marks for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Cadet Commandant, Colonel Charles Connolly, a Manchester businessman, said: "Annual Camp is the high spot of the cadet training year, but it is much more than just a holiday. "Cadet training is based on a military pattern, designed to promote qualities of leadership, confidence and self-reliance in our young people, but we also make sure that it is lots of fun."

He added: "We do need to attract more adult youth leaders to put on camps such as this, and to run local detachments back home, and we are always pleased to see new recruits."

The Army Cadet Force is a voluntary organisation for teenagers, aged 13 to 18, which is sponsored by the Army, and run by volunteer officers and adult instructors from all walks of civilian life.

There are 40 detachments in Greater Manchester, involving around 1,300 young people.

Further information about the Cadets is available by calling 237 3739.