Young police cadets have been helping cyclists protect their bikes at a security marking event.

Around 40 bicycles were marked during yesterday evening as commuters at Hildenborough Railway Station took advantage of the free of charge service aimed at deterring thieves.

The event was run by local PCSOs and supported by the volunteer police cadets scheme, a uniformed organisation which opened in September 2016 for young people aged 13 to 17-years-old.

Cadets meet once a week for two to three hours during term time and in addition volunteer three more hours each month to help with a community based project.

Sgt Joe Breen said: "Security marking of bikes greatly increases the chances of having stolen or lost property retuned to you and the assistance of the cadets in Hildenborough was in high demand as we were visited by many commuters arriving home from work.

"The cadets all worked very hard and I know their efforts were also greatly appreciated by all the cyclists that have benefitted from their enthusiasm, to support our community policing teams."

Cadets will also be supporting a bike security marking event which is taking place at Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst, on Saturday 13 May. It runs from 8am to 3pm and is free of charge. Children’s scooters can also be brought along.

Security marking enables bikes to be registered on a national database, making in it even harder for thieves to operate.