Cumbria Army Cadet Force has struck a medal which will be carried to every border of the county to mark the group’s 150th anniversary.

Replicas will be given to community leaders but the original will be taken up mountains and over lakes as part of its tour of Cumbria.

The cadet organisation was originally set up to churn out soldiers.

These days it’s about turning teenagers into good citizens with valuable life skills. And fun.

As it’s the anniversary year, Major John Bennett and his comrades have been researching the history of Cumbria’s cadets.

The force is the oldest voluntary youth organisation in the world and there have been members in Cumbria since the movement was formed in 1860 although, up until the First World War broke out, the only official detachment was in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Others sprang up when hostilities began, only to be discouraged by the Government when it withdrew funding for junior troops in the 1930s.

But the movement carried on and managed to survive until the ministers had a re-think as the Second World War loomed.

Nationally, and in Cumbria, numbers peaked in 1942.

In Carlisle alone there were about 600 cadets, four of the city’s secondary schools were running units and the Catholic Church had set up a fifth.

Many of the cadets were used as runners for the Home Guard.

Back then it was a boys only club, and would remain so for another 40 years.

Major Bennett helped smooth the way for the introduction of girls to the ranks when they were finally allowed to join up in the 1980s.

He told The Cumberland News: “The first unit to accept girls was Keswick School. The governors, head-teacher and officers took quite a lot of persuading that it was a good idea.

“At first only 10 girls were let in as the rules said they could make up not more than a tenth of the unit.

“Interestingly, of those 10 girls, half of them went on to serve either in the regular Army or Territorial Army, which is an unusually high percentage for girls or boys. I find that girls are still very keen when they join, even after 20 years they feel they have something to prove.”

According to Major Bennett, youngsters’ motives for becoming cadets haven’t changed.

It’s why their interest is kept alive that has altered.

He explained: “They want to learn to shoot and, whatever teenagers may say, they want to wear uniforms.

“When uniforms don’t exist they create them, like punks or teddy boys. But much as they enjoy the shooting range and drills that’s not enough anymore. What makes them stay cadets are the adventure opportunities and outdoor pursuits.”

Cumbrian members can also work towards a certificate in public service which is said to be worth four GCSEs, a diploma in music and first aid qualifications.

The county currently has in the region of 500 cadets based in 23 detachments. Nine are in Carlisle and district with another seven on the west coast.

It’s a healthy roll call but Major Bennett believes it could be stronger.

There is the capacity to take on an extra 200 cadets and he would like to see the places filled.

“It’s a chance to get involved in fun, meaningful, activities and become self disciplined. It’s also a chance to learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of.”