TWO cadets from the Kendal Detachment of Cumbria Army Cadet Force competed in the army cadets’ national cross-country championships at the weekend.

Cadet Lance Corporals James McLoughlin (15) and Connor Barker (16) were up against the fastest runners in the Army Cadet movement, along with two cadets from Workington.

The event took part at the Warcop Ranges on Saturday near Appleby/ Cadet LCpl Barker, who competed in the senior boys class, said: “Taking part in this race was a great challenge and I was thrilled to come fourth within the Army Cadet Force as a whole, which consists of 46,000 cadets throughout the country. I hope that next year, I’ll be in the top three nationally”.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Meanwhile, Cadet LCpl McLoughlin, who came tenth in the intermediate boys class, agreed.

He said: “It’s been a great day and although I didn’t get a medal this time, I gave it everything I had. Being in the Army Cadets means that I’m used to pushing myself that little bit more and I now know how much more training I need to put in next time to win.”

Major John Wilson MBE, Officer Commanding Burma Company, said: “I’m proud of these two lads, who showed plenty of guts and determination in both their races.

“Kendal Detachment recently won the county trophy for best detachment and it is good to see Kendal cadets competing at national level.”

Burma Company, which also has detachments in Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston, Millom and Walney Islandm is currently advertising for adult volunteers.

Major Wilson continued “We need more adult volunteers to train our cadets and to instil in them a sense of discipline and direction. We want to hear from adults who want to make a difference to the lives of Cumbria’s young people and give them the personal qualities that they need to succeed in life.”

For more information about Cumbria Army Cadets or to find out about becoming an adult volunteer, go to www.cumbriaarmycadets.com or call Major Steve Matthews on 01228 516222.