Cadets flying high after raising thousands

PROUD: Oldham cadets recognised for doing their bit for the Poppy Appeal. Back row, left to right: leading cadet Ashley Lockwood of Oldham Army Cadet Force, Colonel Warren J Smith, leading sea cadet Luke Norton. Front row, left to right: cadet Summer Scales of Oldham Army Cadet Force, Oldham Mayoress Kathleen Hudson and Oldham Mayor Councillor John Hudson

Oldham Air Cadets have been recognised at a prestigious ceremony after raising more money in last year’s poppy appeal than any other squadron in Greater Manchester — for the second year running.

The ceremony, at Newman College, saw Oldham’s 2200 Squadron crowned Greater Manchester’s overall winning unit after the Wellyhole Street-based cadets raised £11,626.

Cadet Lewis Taylor (17) said: “It’s a brilliant feeling to have raised the most money. We really wanted to set the standard for everyone else.”

Cadets throughout the whole of Greater Manchester raised a remarkable £135,000, with Oldham’s Sea Cadets adding £7,355, the fourth-highest in the region and the best of any sea cadet unit.