A youth organisation has recruited 12 people to lead teams of Army cadets.

The Sussex Army Cadet Force (ACF) held a recruitment weekend at its training centre in Crowborough after masses of people responded to a national campaign.

Aspiring instructors were tested in military situations, such as command tasks, planning an exercise and giving a lecture.

They were also interviewed, police-checked and given medical examinations.

Colonel John Baber, commandant of Sussex Army Cadet Force, said: "Never before have we had such a high level of interest from adults wanting to become instructors in the ACF.

"We ran a tough course, not to find the strongest or fittest individuals or those with military experience, but to seek out those who would be committed to the ACF and who hold high values and interest in today's youth."

Paula Wheeler, a key skills tutor from Foxdown Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, said: "I really enjoyed the weekend, although it was tough at times. I have learnt a lot about myself."

Sam Ingle, of Weavers Close, Burgess Hill, a travel agent for American Express, said: "I would like to be part of the organisation which develops today's youth into well-rounded, bright and adventurous adults."

The Army Cadet Force has 50,000 cadets aged 12 to 18, with 900 belonging to the 27 groups in East and West Sussex.

In Sussex, cadets normally meet twice a week and take part in a syllabus of training which includes navigation, marksmanship, fieldcraft, survival skills and first aid. They can work towards a BTEC in Public Service, said to be the equivalent of four GCSEs, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

For more information about the cadets, call 01273 552222.