A NEW army cadet force planned for Rishton is to hold its first meeting in an effort to attract interest.

The nearest detachment of the cadets is based in Accrington, and about 50 places will be made available for young people in Rishton.

The Scout hut, Commercial Street, will be used as a base, and work is being carried out to get the facility up to safety standards.

Now an event has been planned for March 14, with a party atmosphere' to give parents and youngsters, aged 13 to 18, the chance to find out more about the cadets.

Malcolm Ward, spokesman for the army cadets in Lancashire, said: "There's very little for kids to do so this is a real opportunity for them.

"They have got scouts but there is not really anything from 15 years onwards that interests them. Hopefully the army cadets will."

The army cadet force is a volunteer organisation which teaches recruits basic army skills, and organises work in the community.

It is hoped the repair work on the scout hut will be finished in time for the meeting. If not, tents will be set up outside, and the force's recruitment caravan will also be on site to hand out information.

When plans for the new detachment were announced, Danny Cassidy, set to become 2nd Lieutenant of the group, said he was confident it could be a success.

He said: "Rishton and Great Harwood don't seem to have much for young people to do."

The meeting is at the Scout hut from 7pm.