They're known as “one of the best gangs around”.
And one group of Huddersfield teenagers are hoping people will back them through the Examiner’s Wish 2013 project.
Thongsbridge Army Cadet Force has entered the competition and hopes to raise funds to buy much-needed equipment.
Many of the youngsters take part in outdoor expeditions – often for a Duke of Edinburgh Award – and protective clothing is a must.
Nationally, the Army Cadet Force, first set up by Miss Octavia Hill in 1859, has had a long and prosperous history, serving teenagers wanting to achieve throughout the country.
The Holme Valley is home to one of the Army Cadet Force’s detachments, namely Thongsbridge Detachment.
They have been based in Thongsbridge since the early 1980s, within the grounds of the 1940’s Army Training Centre, better known as the Old Drill Hall which served to train the Yorkshire Volunteers Regiment during the Second World War.
Unit spokesman Richard Brook said: “Much of the history of the Army Cadet Force in Holmfirth is unknown, however, we do know that Thongsbridge Army Cadets were originally affiliated to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.
“This affiliation stems back to the early 1900s and carrying on the traditions of this Regiment, Thongsbridge Detachment proudly wear the now Yorkshire Regiment Cap badge but still keep strong ties back to the DWR.
“Today, Thongsbridge Detachment boasts up to 30 Army Cadets, aged 13-18, with a team of five instructors, spearheaded by Detachment Commander, Colour Sgt Dan Heneghan.
“The detachment strives to make a real impact in the local community and more so in its young residents, to give them goals, inspire them to meet their full potential and to give them the life experience to really succeed in later life.
“Unfortunately the Army Cadet Force competes with the modern day alternative, the dreaded Xbox or Playstation.
“That’s why Colour Sgt Heneghan is constantly striving to come up with new ideas and new ways to keep young people interested in learning new skills and what his team hopes will really benefit young people”.
Mr Brook said the work comes at a price, and the unit has set out to raise funds to buy new expedition equipment to help the youngsters achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, additional IT equipment in order to assist them to gain their BTEC in public services and, of course, funds to put towards trips and events, including visits to Second World War memorials.
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