As Team GB team were climbing the medals board, Hertsmere Volunteer Police Cadets (HVPC) were also reaching new heights at their annual summer camp.

Cadets, aged 13 to 18, took part in a range of challenges at the Kingswood Activity Centre in Norfolk last week (beginning August 7).

Among the activities, the group braved the high equilibrium, a high rope activity, in which participants must climb to a high see-saw and keep balance on it whilst another team member joins them.

The group also took to the waves at a morning’s surf school in Cromer. In addition, they took part in archery, climbing, caving and orienteering.

Hertsmere Borough Councillor John Donne, president of the HVPC, said: “I am sure the successes of Team GB were in the back of everyone’s mind during this year’s summer camp and helped spur the cadets on.

“The cadets' leaders choose a different location for camp each summer so that the cadets can try their hand at a range of new challenges.

“As well as getting to have a go at a different sport or activity, they also learn more about each other and themselves and what they can achieve by working together."

Police Constable Ross Paybody, from Hertfordshire Constabulary, added: "It was a pleasure seeing the cadets overcome individual challenges and achieve their personal bests.

“Each cadet pushed themselves and by doing so gained new skills and confidence which will help them succeed in later life.

“I was immensely proud to work alongside a great team of volunteers who gave up their free time. Without the volunteer leaders, exciting experiences like summer camp wouldn’t be possible."

The cost of the camp was subsidised by fundraising the cadets had undertaken during the year.