YOUNG people from Enfield were among 1,400 proud police cadets who marched in central London today to mark their 21st anniversary.

The youngsters, all aged between 14 and 21, from the Metropolitan Police Cadets (VPC) took part in what is believed to be the capital's largest ever formal parade of young people.

They marched to Horseguards Parade, and then fell in for a ceremonial review by a team of VIPs, including the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, and deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse.

Almost all existing VPCs marched. Among them were representatives from all 32 London boroughs.

The Met aims to expand their numbers to 4,000 by the 2012 Olympics.

Police chiefs hope to achieve this by working with young people, including those who are vulnerable to crime, both as victims and those considered to be on the edge of offending.

Last year, cadets volunteered 40,000 hours supporting Safer Neighbourhoods teams and helping at community-based events and charity fund-raising.

As well as helping with the capital's policing, cadets get the chance to study for qualifications and get involved in outward bound adventures and camps.

Deputy assistant commissioner, Rod Jarman, said: "Young people come to us from a number of different backgrounds.

“Some join because they like the police and they want to learn more. Some because they have heard about the things we do from their mates, while others because they have been referred to us.

"What they get from us is effectively another family. They get to meet people who care about and believe in them, people who will give them some consistent support through those difficult years of growing up."

London's deputy Mayor for policing, Kit Malthouse, said the VPS taught self-respect, discipline and a sense of duty to others.

“These are exactly the qualities we desperately need in London,” he said.

“I was an enthusiastic scout and an air cadet and look what it did to me.”