Air cadets soar to new heights

THE Lord Lieutenant (in suit) of Greater Manchester presents the cheque watched by back row (from the left) Sgt Arron Frost, FO Paddy Diamond, Michael Bohanna and Bernard Holden, treasurer of Diggle Band Club. Front (from the left) Claire Harper, Robyn Armstrong, Matthew Brierley and Michael Rice.

THE Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren Smith, was a welcome guest at Saddleworth’s recently established air cadet unit in Diggle Band Club.

He presented the 2200 (Saddleworth) detached flight of the Air Training Corps with a cheque for £950 from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund.

It will be used to buy computer equipment to improve the training on offer.

Flying Officer Paddy Diamond, the unit’s commanding officer, said: “I am delighted that our application to the trustees of the fund was successful.

“The computer equipment will be of great use to us in delivering the exciting and varied training programme that the Air Cadet organisation offers to young people.”

Saddleworth’s Air Cadet Unit was re-established in May, after an absence of 28 years.

It is thriving, with around 30 young people between the ages of 13 and 20 attending.

Cadets have visited an RAF station, undertaken a water activities course, taken part in a fieldcraft weekend and will be going flying in September.

To continue to provide opportunities for Saddleworth’s young people, the flight needs more adult volunteers, particularly those who are interested in becoming uniformed members of staff.

Military experience is not necessary, but the organisation welcomes people who have served in any branch of the Armed Forces.

For more information, contact FO Diamond on 07881- 622 286 or e-mail oc.2200DF@aircadets.org