ON THURSDAY, October 29, eleven of the Launceston Police Cadets gave up a day of their half term week and went to the Flashpoint Lifeskills Centre in Bodmin.

There are 15 lifelike, indoor scenarios in the Flashpoint centre and each is like a real-life TV or theatrical 'set', complete with sound effects. Each is designed to illustrate particular hazards and guides, who are all volunteers, take small groups around the scenarios, explaining the key safety messages as they go. Many have an exciting, interactive element — much to everyone's surprise and delight!

The cadets were split up into three groups and led around scenarios such as a beach, a farmyard, a railway line, electric sub-station, rooms of a house such as the bedroom, kitchen and garage, and also a road accident scene. Cadets were also able to rehearse dialling 999 on a couple of occasions to call for the fire or ambulance.

All the cadets were awarded with a silver award certificate in Cornwall Lifeskills, and will hopefully have all learnt quite a lot from their time at Flashpoint to be able to avoid serious accidents in the future or be able to help others.

A spokesman said: "Most accidents happen in the home and everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, its never too late to learn. Many of us learn about these situations the hard way so hopefully Flashpoint will save some people from having to experience serious injury — or a real house fire, and will provide people with skills to be able to act sensibly and confidently to save themselves and others. And I'm sure after being to Flashpoint you would certainly think twice before playing on a railway line or near a sub-station!"

The cadets had a break for lunch after experiencing all the scenarios and then had an afternoon in a classroom environment under the guidance of Youth Intervention Officer PC Dave Buckland when the cadets took part in a team building discussion game called 'sense of adventure'.

This involved taking a card from an up-turned pack and placing it into the category of either 'I would feel happy to do this', 'I would never feel safe doing this' or 'I would feel safe doing this with a friend'. The cards they chose had things like; carrying a knife, using a gun, walking in the dark, taking drugs, smoking and telling a secret to a friend. There were some great discussions over each topic, and everyone had different views and experiences to share.

Launceston PCSO Sharon Chinn said: "I feel this was a very worthwhile day for the cadets and fitted in perfectly to the police cadet structure. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day and we'd like to give a special thanks to PC Buckland, and all the staff and volunteers at Flashpoint for giving up their time."