Air cadets are really taking off

FLYING high . . . Royton Air Training Cadets are in a national final to find the best squadron after winning the regional final Sarah Jayne King is pictured with the regional winners’ trophy.

ROYTON Air Training Cadets are heading for new heights after reaching the finals of a national competition.

The 60-strong 1855 squadron are battling to become the UK’s top squadron — deemed the best in overall achievement and efficiency.

Having already claimed the regional trophy, they now have their sights set on the prestigious silverware — the Sir Alan Lees trophy. Royton — who won the annual marching band competition last year — are looking to become top squadron for the fourth time, having previously been victorious in 1959, 1969 and 1986.

Following a series of challenging reviews including monitoring achievements such as Duke of Edinburgh awards and BTECS related to aviation, the team now face a rigorous inspection by Air Commodore Barbara Cooper next week.

She will enjoy a dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall before monitoring the cadets performing their usual routines for two hours.

Commanding officer Mark Hamilton said: “Cadets, staff and parents have worked extremely hard for this.

“We have come so far in this prestigious competition which reflects fantastic individual and team achievements in cadet activities.

“The success of my staff in supporting and facilitating those achievements and the hard work of everybody including parents to prepare the squadron premises for this competition.”

The result of the competition is expected in the middle of June.