News
Police cadets shadow MP
Dated: 23 Dec 2011
Two young Northumbria Police cadets got a taste of politics when they were given the chance to shadow a local MP for a day.
As part of a national 'Takeover Day', Sarah Bond and Courtney Wright, both 15, from Gateshead, along with their chaperone, PC Joanne Leng, visited Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West.
Sharon Hodgson, MP said: "It was great to have Sarah and Courtney, along with PC Leng, accompany me on my constituency business and see what an MP does in their constituency on a day-to-day basis.
"The cadet scheme offers a great opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to learn more about their local area and meet new friends, as well as help police with crime prevention and major events.
"I would highly recommend the scheme to any young person considering a career in the police, as well as anybody who wants to get involved in their local communities."
Courtney Wright enjoyed her role shadowing opportunity. She said: "It was really interesting finding out about the work of an MP. Mrs Hodgson explained all about her work in the Houses of Parliament and back here in her constituency.
"We met a lot of people and I got to see how busy and varied an MP's role can be."
Takeover Day is a national project established by the Children's Commissioner that aims to give Young people the chance to get involved in the work of decision-makers in society.