Marching on!

JUST CHAMPION: Liam Blackmore (left), Joe Lord, Kyle Blackmore, Daniel Beattie, Roger Jackson, Kate Hamilton, Adam Southern, Daniel Johnson, Sophie Blackmore, Rebeccca Tugwell and Sarah Hamilton, representing the Royton Air Training Corps squadron.

Air cadets in tune for title

ROYTON air cadets hit the right notes at the National Marching Band Championships.

The squadron, who were representing the North of England, were crowned National Marching Band champions after they beat off competition from groups from all over the UK.

It was their first attempt at the title which added to the excitement when they were presented with a trophy by the Commandant of Air Cadets, Air Commodore Ian Stewart.

The squadron’s drum major, Flight Sgt Matthew Elkin, also claimed the top Corps Mace and the Drum Major prize after scoring highly from all judges.

To win the title, the group did a 13-minute performance which included daring cross overs, wheels and a figure of eight.

The squadron also finished in the top three in the country in the fanfare, solo drummer and percussion sections.