East Ham Cadets aged 13 to 18 backed a national plan launched today to drive more young people into social action.

The UK-wide #iwill campaign aims to make fundraising, volunteering and campaigning an everyday part of life for 10 to 20-year-olds by the year 2020.

There are currently 41,000 army cadets in the UK and they already participate in various activities including organised sponsored car washes, arranged ‘bag it up’ clothing campaigns for charity shops and litter picking.

Retired Brigadier David Short, who is general secretary of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) Association, said: “The Cabinet Office released data in 2015 showing young people who take part in social action develop key character and employability skills.

“Between now and 2020 we’ll be encouraging our cadets to make the most of all the community and fundraising opportunities we can give them through our Cadet and the Community programme, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and BTEC qualifications, and through special initiatives such as the annual ACF Community Week which takes placed from April 18 to 24.

“Community support, fundraising and volunteering are part of what cadets do.

“Selfless commitment is one of the ACF (and Army) values and something that ties in perfectly with the aims of the #iwill campaign.”