A VOLUNTEER police cadet has spoken of her pride in being one of those who marched yesterday to celebrated the cadets' 21st anniversary.

Gulsum Cengiz, of Nelson Road, Ponders End was one of 40 Enfield cadets who practiced for six months for their march alongside 1,400 others to Horse Guards Parade in central London.

Watched by her mother, father and two sisters, she said she really enjoyed the day, despite arriving at 7.30am to get in a last few hours of practice.

“I really liked it because I think it was very educational and there were so many people there,” she said.

She also enjoyed reading the comments by Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson and Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse in a booklet especially produced for the day.

Miss Cengiz, 18, a business studies student at Hertford Regional College in Hertfordshire, first joined the cadets nearly three years ago when she was 16 because she wants to forge a career as a police officer.

But she also said being a member has helped her feel safe on the streets.

“Everyone's pleased I'm a police cadet because instead of being on the streets in danger I'm in my uniform and I'm with the police next to me, it's a way of keeping safe.

“It gives you the confidence to deal with situations that might arise.”