Cadets enjoy camp

POLICE Cadets camped at Coombe View Farm, Branscombe last week.

Eleven Axe Valley Community Police Cadets aged 11-16 used the campsite from Wednesday to Friday as a base for activities including canoeing, rockpooling, beach cleaning with National Trust rangers and fishing.

They caught 71 mackerel, which they barbecued on Branscombe beach, and went up the River Axe from Seaton in canoes from Axe Vale Canoe Club.

Tom Speariett, 15, from Branscombe, said: “The fishing was the best bit.”

Seaton rural neighbourhood beat manager Steve Speariett, neighbourhood team members, youth intervention officer Hayley Taylor and staff from Seaton Police Station supervised the camp. A police dog handler came up to the site to demonstrate how they find missing persons and the youngsters had great views of the recent meteor showers from their campsite. Colyton’s Aaran Fitzpatrick, 13, said: “It was really amazing from up here.”

There were ghost tales around the campfire, a man hunt in the woods nearby and supplies of hot pies and muffins, brought in by Lisa Speariett.

Coombe View’s owner Trevor Glasper let the group camp for free, in return they cleared a field of horse poo.

“Everyone’s been fantastic, big thanks to all who helped out,” said PC Speariett. “It’s been a great camp.”