Over 100 members of C (North) Company Devon Army Cadet Force paraded through Bideford in celebration of 150 years of the youth movement, including nine members from the Holsworthy detachment.

The parade began in Victoria Park on Sunday, July 11 and was lead by the Devon ACF Corps of Drums (based in North Devon) to St Mary's Church where Padre Captain Alan Glover greeted its members. Readings were given by Staff Sgt Jason Jones of Chumleigh and Rev David Hull of the Shebbear detachment.

Staff Sgt Matt Sanders of the Barnstaple detachment was called forward to give his account of why being a member of the ACF is of benefit to young people. Matt told of the many achievements he has made including B-Tec diplomas in music and public services and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and cited the making of many good friendships as being one of the greatest things any young person could take away from the organisation.

During his address, officer commanding for North Devon, Major Joe Martin, gave a run through of the history of the ACF to present.

One item of local interest in that history was that in 1980 six detachments from across the UK were selected to trial allowing girls to join. Torrington was one of the detachments chosen.

It was noted that Mrs Alison Fulford of Torrington, wife of Deputy Commandant for Devon Lt Colonel Ashley Fulford, was in fact one of the original and first female army cadets in the country. Today a third of cadets are female. Also present for the proceedings were the Mayor of Bideford Cllr Phil Pester and his wife Pam.

Speaking of the importance of youth involvement in the community, Mayor Phil Pester said: "It has been great to see the young people of today participating in such a fine event."

Cllr Pester is hoping to hold a youth parade in Bideford on September 5 and is inviting organisers of local youth groups to get in touch with him or with the town hall.

The Army Cadet Force is a voluntary youth organisation offering progressive personal development training to young people of 12 to 18 years.

There are ten detachments across North Devon, to find out where your nearest ACF unit is call 01271 342296 or google North Devon Army Cadet Force.