Workington's University Technical College has launched its Combined Cadet Force.

Thirty cadets marched in front of Rear Admiral John Clink, who joined the celebrations at the Lillyhall college.

At the end of the opening ceremony, cadets divided into groups to enjoy a 10-minute ride on the helicopter.

Rear Admiral Clink said: "Cadet forces offer the opportunity to take people outside their comfort zone in a safe environment.

"This helps them to understand their potential and also their own limits and be part of a team.

"It provides a unique opportunity to stretch themselves.

"Education is not just about learning academic subjects, it's about developing as adults."

Formed under the Government's Cadet Expansion Programme, and supported by the Cadet Bursary Fund, the college is the first state-funded school in Cumbria to establish such a unit and the first exclusively Royal Naval CCF Unit in the UK. 

Gary Jones, principal, said: "It's an absolute outstanding opportunity for our students to engage in this kind of activity.

"It's an opportunity for West Cumbria to demonstrate what it's capable of doing.

"The cadets will develop a range of leadership skills, get the best out of themselves and achieve further qualifications. They wouldn't normally get this opportunity."

Kurt Hewitson, of Distington, is a year 11 student at UTC.

He said: "I joined the cadets because I'd like a career in the military.

"This opportunity gives me some experience on what it would be like. I'm enjoying it so far, we learn about the see and the navy."

Bethany Bowness, of Workington, also a year 11 student at the college, joined the cadets in September. 

She said: "It's very interesting, we do leadership, organisational and team work activities. I'd like to become a civil engineer and I think this experience could help me both in my career and in my life in general."