A Norwich school is among 31 across the country which will welcome a new cadet unit to instil 'values of discipline and loyalty'.

Defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon has announced the approval of the 31 units in schools in a bid to increase social mobility and achievement among disadvantaged pupils.

University Technical College (UTC) Norfolk, in Norwich, is the only school in the county to make the list.

Sir Michael said the units were part of the Conservative party's commitment to increase the number of cadet units to 500 by 2020.

They are focused on schools in areas of high deprivation and high ethnic minority representation, he said.

'I want more young people from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to be cadets,' he said. 'Cadets help instil values of discipline and loyalty.

'They develop leadership skills and confidence.

'For too long cadet units have been the preserve of independent schools but thanks to this Conservative Government more children in state schools will reap the benefits.'

Westbourne Academy, in Ipswich, has also made the list.

It comes as a report, put together by the University of Northampton, found that cadet forces decrease social disadvantage, help excluded children improve attendance and behaviour on their return and make communities more inclusive.

Alex Hayes, principal of UTC Norfolk, said: 'We are delighted to have been given the go-ahead to receive an RAF cadet unit. Our ethos is very much about helping young people develop skills for their future so this fits in perfectly with what we are trying to achieve.'