Police cadets were put through their paces in a mock car crash as part of a county-wide competition.

A total of 86 police cadets from around Hertfordshire took part in the second cadet competition held in the county at the weekend.

Cadets, aged between 13 and 18, were joined by 45 cadet leaders and 47 role play volunteers and took part in a number of team building exercises.

Demonstrations included giving evidence in a mock court, dealing with a three-car road traffic collision and a shield run, where the cadets had to run 500 metres carrying a heavy shield while wearing a riot helmet.

Overall winners for the weekend were the Welwyn Hatfield police cadets, with St Albans and Hertsmere a close second and third place.

Volunteer cadet co-ordinator PC Ross Paybody, who organised the event, said: “This was the second cadet competition and it was bigger and better than last year’s with more cadets taking part. During the event the cadets had the opportunity to test their skills, meet other cadets from the county and compete in a number of activities.

“The number of cadets in Hertfordshire has increased, which meant we had even more at this year’s event and more young people getting actively involved in their community. They all showed great enthusiasm and I believe they are great role models for their peers."