CELEBRITIES brushed shoulders with representatives from Northumbria Police and Percy Hedley’s Cadet Scheme at the finals of the British Diversity Awards.

Northumbria Police shared the news in January that the pioneering scheme in partnership with the Percy Hedley Foundation was shortlisted for a prestigious British Diversity Award.

The programme was subsequently shortlisted as being amongst the top three in the running for Community Project of the Year.

Hexham Courant: Denise Welch and a cadet from Percy Hedley's Cadet SchemeDenise Welch and a cadet from Percy Hedley's Cadet Scheme (Image: Northumbria Police)

The British Diversity Awards recognise and celebrate organisations and individuals who champion diversity and promote the values of equality and inclusion across the UK.

The award ceremony was held on March 22 in London and was attended by celebrities who were photographed with the cadets.

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Hexham Courant: Sinitta and a cadet from the Cadet SchemeSinitta and a cadet from the Cadet Scheme (Image: Northumbria Police)

Although the scheme didn’t win the award, it is an accomplishment to be nominated. More than 25,000 nominations were submitted and the scheme made it to the final three.

The programme has been a welcome addition to a long-standing partnership between the two organisations. 

Hexham Courant: Representatives from the Percy Hedley Cadet Scheme at the British Diversity AwardsRepresentatives from the Percy Hedley Cadet Scheme at the British Diversity Awards (Image: Northumbria Police)

Northumbria Police volunteers lead, superintendent Claire Wheatley, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, so we were delighted to be involved in this partnership with Percy Hedley.

Hexham Courant: Representatives from Northumbria Police and Percy Hedley's Cadet Scheme attended the AwardsRepresentatives from Northumbria Police and Percy Hedley's Cadet Scheme attended the Awards (Image: Northumbria Police)

"I am extremely proud of all those involved with this landmark programme and the fact we were nominated and then shortlisted for a British Diversity Award was a lovely bonus.

“We were honoured to be amongst the final three considered for such a significant accolade and I am sure the cadets still feel like winners."