THE search is on to find 28 ambitious youngsters to join Lancashire Constabulary's police academy.

The scheme, one of just three in the country, was launched last year and police said it was such a success it is being run again.

The cadet training gives youngsters from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale an insight into modern-day policing, enhances their career prospects, boosts their skills and earns them a nationally-recognised qualification.

Successful applicants will take part in a 38-week training programme, giving up two hours a week to learn more about policing, crime and disorder and the criminal justice system. They will also take part in an outdoor activity weekend and a community-based crime prevention project which will enable them to develop their social and problem solving skills as well as their knowledge of the police service.

At the end of the training they will take part in a prestigious awards ceremony where they will be awarded cadet certificates, a Millennium Volunteers Award and a BTEC Certificate or equivalent.

Volunteer Cadet Co-ordinator PC Derek Mitchell said: "We ran the Volunteer Police Cadet Scheme as a pilot project this year to see how the initiative would work. It has proved very successful with all 28 cadets sticking with the course and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

"As a result, we have decided to run the scheme again next year and give another 28 people the chance to do something new and exciting, to enjoy a memorable experience and to learn new skills and make new friends."

Youngsters interested in joining the scheme have to complete an application form, which they can collect from their local police station, or by contacting the dedicated cadet recruitment line on 01282 472304. Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment during which they will take part in a number of activities designed to test their team building and problem solving skills.

Following the half day assessment, 28 young people will then be given the opportunity to become police cadets.

Training for the cadets begins in March 2005 and will last 38 weeks.

Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7-9pm in Padiham.

For more information contact the cadet office on 01282 472304.