A NEW £1.2 million cadet centre has been opened to encourage more young people to join the army.

Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London, Kenneth Olisa, recently unveiled the The Ken Stokley Joint Cadet Centre, in Tottenham, which was provided by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London.

The building was named in honour of Ken Stokley, a former chairman of 268 Squadron for more than 30 years before he died in 2014.

The joint cadet centre will be home to 216 Tottenham Detachment, Army Cadet Blues & Royals Force and 268 Tottenham Squadron, Air Training Corps.

The two-story building has new classrooms, offices, kitchen, hall and parade ground.

Mr Olisa said: “I’m delighted to be here to open this magnificent new building, but more importantly to witness first-hand the commitment, capability, and hope for the future of the young cadets who will use this facility and of the volunteers who support them.

“I am particularly pleased that this venture brings two distinct, albeit similar, organisations together.

“I hope it sets an example of cooperation that youth and community organisations across Tottenham, and indeed the whole of London, will follow.”