Would you like to join new Wellingborough youth group?

A Rushden couple who have dedicated their lives to working with young people are hoping to expand their network of youth groups to a Wellingborough estate.

John and Eileen Mander set up the Ranger Cadet Corps in 2008 and now have two units - one serving Rushden and Higham and another in Finedon.

They are looking to expand their tri-service based group with support from the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs (NAYC) to Wellingborough's Queensway area .

Mr Mander, co-founder of the Ranger Cadet Corps, said: "We are not in competition with other uniformed youth groups. Our style is different - perhaps unique.

"We are run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff, and raise all our funds and we are informal in approach with each group tailored to local need."

The current groups offer recruit members for their two sections cater for eight to 12-year-olds and teenagers from 13 to 17.

Their evening and weekend activities include adventure training, life skills, arts and crafts, community involvement, sports and team building.

The charity started with a marching band and colour guard project for young people in Irthlingborough.

Mr and Mrs Mander first met as teenagers in their native London where they set up a traditional marching band.

They were later inspired to introduce flags into the discipline at the suggestion of a friend who had seen bands using them in the USA.

When the couple, who are both 73, moved to Northamptonshire with their family they started a band and then the cadets.

Co-founder Mrs Mander, who runs the rangers’ Finedon and District group, said: "Youngsters need something to do. It gives them a sense of discipline.

"We encourage young people to take an interest in the countryside, farming and forestry as well as the Merchant Navy.

“Our Finedon group is very popular. In recent weeks the cadets, who are aged eight to 12, have been doing cake decorating, arts and crafts, side drum, bell-lyres and flag spinning.

"Last year we organised weekend events including archery, sailing and bushcraft.”

Anyone who would be interested in joining the group as a volunteer or as a member should contact the Ranger Cadet Corps

Mr Mander added: "The Ranger Cadets would like to hear from any parent or carer who has a boy or girl who would be interested in joining and from anyone who would like to help as a volunteer.

"No previous experience is needed as training will be provided and a DBS applied for."

The Ranger Cadets, who meet one evening in the week and one day each month at weekends, have a unique uniform which is loaned to cadets against a deposit of £20. Weekly subs are £3.

For more information go to their website.