FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Lance Corporal Jessica Morley-Blackwell was one of 200 army cadets from Oxfordshire who went to Penally Training Camp in South Wales for two weeks of fun, friendship and action.

As part of the summer camps, the cadets tackled the Templeton training ground to put into practice training learnt at local detachments.

They had to overcome challenging weather conditions, sleep out in the open and cook rations from an army ration pack, They also practised their navigation and ambush skills. Cadets with the necessary training had the opportunity to use the cadet rifle.

Jessica, from Burford, said: “I love annual camp. I went to camp in Yorkshire last year and made loads of friends. Most of the time we train in our detachments, so events like this mean we not only see our usual friends but make new friends as well.”

Jessica, who is about to start her GCSEs, hopes to be an educational psychologist.

She said: “I have been a cadet for almost two years. It builds confidence, helps you to be independent, make decisions and take responsibility for the consequences.”