Since 2014, the county has been part of Headquarters North East and comprises approximately 850 cadets and 200 adult volunteers in 41 detachments and four companies, including a band and bugle corps.

[2] In 1863, along with the formation of the Volunteer Force, the first government sanctioned cadet groups were allowed to be formed.

[3] Unlike their modern successors, the first cadet battalions were administered by their local County Territorial Force Associations, and rarely ever came under an "army command".

It is sponsored by the British Army but not part of it and neither the cadets nor the adult volunteer leaders are subject to military call-up.

Their aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life and develop in them the qualities of a good citizen.