MORE than 30 proud Lowestoft army cadets showed off their military training and first aid skills this week.

The 32 cadets from Lowestoft North Troop, Royal Artillery B Company, Suffolk Army Cadet Force, held their annual inspection on Tuesday evening at the town's TA centre in St Peters Street.

The event, attended by family members, started with a presentation by Bombardier Kirsty Webb on the achievements of her fellow cadets over the past 12 months. One of the highlights was Daniel Emery being promoted to cadet regimental sergeant major, the highest rank in the cadet force.

The troop also won the Paddy Tyrell competition three times in a row against other Suffolk rivals.

Parents and relatives heard about the cadets' charity work in collecting money for Help for Heroes and the Poppy Appeal, and pictures were shown of the troop's training weekends and first aid courses.

Cameras then started to click as the cadets, aged from 12 to 18, marched into the hall and stood to attention.

They were inspected by John Tiffen, Waveney group commander for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. He paid close attention as the cadets filed in, having once been a Queen's Dragoon Guards South Lowestoft cadet.

As well as being impressed by the cadets' drill and appearance, Mr Tiffen took a keen interest in their display of first aid skills, in which showed how they would revive an accident victim and bandage up another.

Along with parents, he watched displays of cadets cooking in the 'wild', camouflaging themselves and showing how much they carried in their packs on training sessions.

Mr Tiffen, who has served too in the Royal Marines, said: 'I have stood where the cadets are tonight in inspections and so I know how important it is for them all. You can see how confident and proud all the cadets are.'

The Lowestoft North Troop meets every Monday and Thursday night at the St Peters Street TA centre.

For information call 01502 516768 or email caa-bcoy@suffolk-acf.co.uk