On cloud nine

SIXTH time success . . . East Lancashire Wing Commander Steve Molloy (right) presents Flt Lt Mark Hamilton with the champion squadron trophy

ROYTON Air Cadets have scooped a prestigious award for the sixth successive year. The Valley Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the squadron that comes top in a range of different competitions including drill, inspection and sports.

The trophy was presented to the East Lancashire Wing in 1993 in memory of three cadets who tragically lost their lives during a flight in a Sea King helicopter while on camp at RAF Valley.

Royton Air Cadets first won the trophy in 1994 before claiming it back in 2003 and holding on to it every year since. No other squadron in East Lancashire’s history has managed to hold on to the coveted award for so many years on the run.

Flt Lt Mark Hamilton of Royton Air Cadets, said: “The cadets and staff are ecstatic. We really can’t believe that we have managed to win this trophy again. It was so close. I really did think that we had been pipped to the post by Bury Squadron — our biggest rivals.”

The squadron’s next intake is after Easter this year and anyone interested in joining can visit www.aircadets.org or contact the squadron on 0161-624 4227.