Skiing, rifle shooting and athletics might sound like ingredients for an adventure holiday but they can also provide an unlikely path to university.

Those are just some of the activities which have helped youngsters from across Hounslow boost their academic qualifications as part of a little-heralded scheme.

On Monday, three teenagers from Hounslow and Heston became the latest to pick up BTECs — equivalent to four GCSEs — for their work with the cadets.

Aimee West, Rebecca Hill and Brijinder Nijjar all received their BTEC first diploma in public service at a ceremony in Hammersmith.

The awards were organised by the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Office (CVQO), which was set up in 2002 to provide opportunities for youngsters who might otherwise struggle in the normal school environment.

It costs nothing for cadets to take part and the syllabus includes everything from map-reading and leadership skills to first aid.

Miss West, a cadet sergeant at Hounslow Cadets, who lives in Elvedon Road, Feltham, is one of many Hounslow cadets to benefit from the scheme.

The 18-year-old former Feltham Community School pupil, who hopes to study history at St Mary's University in Strawberry Hill, said she had thoroughly enjoyed the course.

"This BTEC Diploma has offered me more qualifications than my school could offer and improves my chances of a place at University – so it made great sense to do it," she added.

Rebecca Hill, who joined Hounslow Cadets five years ago, said the course had hardly seemed like work despite earning a distinction.

"School's all right but I prefer sports to the academic stuff, so this is a great opportunity to improve your CV," added the 17-year-old, from Woking.

"Considering most of what we do in cadets is also in the BTEC syllabus — the expeditions, leadership skills and the presentations — you might as well do it and get some extra qualifications.

"It's crazy really. I only joined at the beginning because I wanted to go on a skiing trip and here we are five years later, and I've had such fun."