A GROUP of cadets have become the first people to hang out at a new assault course in Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP).

Around 20 students from Seaford College, near Petworth, were given the run-around by Major Andrew Plewes and Lieutenant Peter Bolton on December 15.

The members of the Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) appeared as happy as pigs in mud as they jumped, climbed and crawled their way around the woodland course. They were invited to test the course as the Armed Forces Covenant has provided half the £326,000 project’s cost.

“It’s a fantastic change of scenery for our cadets,” said Major Plewes. “We’ve done lots of work with QECP and we’ve got a good relationship but it’s been great to utilise this course.”

The development is the first stage in £2m bid by Hampshire County Council (HCC) to revamp facilities at the beauty spot with plans for a bigger café and revamped visitor centre in the pipeline. The course, which includes a section for dogs, is open to the public as part of the Forts and Fleets project which aims to bring military and civilian communities together through a love of nature.

“I think it’s brilliant,” said project manager Justin Harvey, on seeing his creation being put through its paces. “We’ve been looking at it on paper for the past year making sure we’re doing the right things so seeing it in use makes you feel quite proud.”

Play facilities, a pizza oven and enhanced community spaces are also proposed so QECP will appeal to the broadest range of visitors.

Not everyone has been thrilled with recent developments, with some residents speaking out against the “commercialisation” of the park, especially with the growing number of mountain bike trails. Mr Harvey, however, believes there’s room for everyone.

He said: “There are people who want to retain the natural beauty here but there are a large number of people who want us to invest in simple things like play areas and trails.”