ROOKIE police cadets were given a behind-the-scenes insight into how bobbies on the beat help keep millions of sky-bound travellers safe.

Essex Police’s Colchester Volunteer Police Cadets enjoyed a trip to London Stansted Airport which is visited by 28 million people every year.

During their excursion the budding officers learnt about the complexities that come with policing an international airport.

They were also given permission to access a range of highly secure areas, some of which airport staff have never even previously seen.

Smartly kitted out in their cadets uniforms, the youngsters were even allowed to watch large planes manoeuvre in and around the runway from on the ground.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The Volunteer Police Cadet programme offers a fantastic variety of opportunities to the young people involved.

“The aim is to prepare young people for their future by providing varied activities and opportunities to develop qualifications, enhance inter-personal skills and confidence, and achieve a sense of pride through supporting community policing.

“In addition, the programme is intended to enhance cadets’ opportunities for further education, employment and training.”

To find out more information about becoming a police cadet in Colchester visit tinyurl.com/28tvcj96.