Congratulations to all who took part and helped organise the Redditch fun run in Arrow Valley Park at the weekend.

The event brought visitors to the park and encouraged everyone to do some healthy exercise.

It was combined with a national triathlon event, showing Arrow Valley Park could be hosting even more events to put Redditch on the map.

With the countryside centre and the areas around, the park could be an excellent venue. Let's build on this success for the future.

I know Pc Dave Wilkins will not want to be singled out for praise but I am going to do it anyway.

Without him driving the event forward and taking on vast amounts of organising, the day wouldn't have happened. Well done Dave!

DO you know what the oldest youth organisation in England is? The Sea Cadets.

That's what Redditch Sea Cadets told me when I visited them last week at their Park Farm headquarters.

A more enthusiastic and welcoming group of young people it would be difficult to meet.

The Redditch corps run a whole range of activities and training for young people, including canoeing, and their band. You may well have seen them this weekend at the Astwood Bank Carnival. I know they are keen to welcome new members.

At the beginning of June, they face a major inspection from a senior Royal Navy officer.

If they are as well turned out and keen as they were during my visit, I am sure they will pass with flying colours.

Jacqui Smith MP