TWO Durham army cadets have taken part in a community project at a school in Kenya.

Colour Sergeant Harvey Sidebottom, 17, from Bishop Auckland, and Staff Sergeant Niall Crammond, 17, from Sunderland jetted off for a nine-day visit and cultural experience recently.

Exercise Kenyan Cub saw the youngsters start up a football academy and work in a school to get vital water to Kenyan children.

They were lucky enough to be selected from over 40,000 cadets across the country and as part of the trip went on a safari to assist with the conservation of animals.

Cadet Harvey Sidebottom said “I was overwhelmed to be selected for this fantastic experience with the Army Cadet Force. The experience has been life-changing and I will never forget the amazing children and staff I have met during my time in Kenya adding another country to my places to visit worldwide courtesy of the Army Cadet Force.”

Harvey has also taken part in exchanges in Lithuania and the Nijmegen Marches in Holland.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Foster, Commandant of Durham Army Cadet Force, said “Congratulations to the cadets that have experienced what can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“They have both worked hard to gain their places on the exchange and were excellent ambassadors for the Army Cadet Force. This is another wonderful example of the opportunities on offer to hard working army cadets in Durham ACF.”