MUSICAL cadets from Northwich came fifth in a national band competition.

This was the first time 146 Squadron Air Training Corps Northwich, founded in 1939, had a band in the finals of the prestigious contest.

Sarah Ross, civilian instructor and band master, said: β€œTo make the finals was success in itself.

β€œI am extremely proud that we performed so well at national level, especially as many of the cadets are junior band members, playing their instruments for less than a year.”

The band, led by Cadet Charlie Hensby, 16, from Little Leigh, fought off bands from 960 squadrons nationwide to play in the final, held at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire.

The finalists had been selected through regional heats held across the country.

146 Squadron Air Cadets band, based at the old TA building, now Northwich Cadet Centre, in Darwin Street, regularly supports local events and raises funds for charities, the chosen charity for this year is the South Snowdonia Mountain Rescue Service.

The squadron parades on Tuesday and Friday evenings between 7pm and 9.30pm and will be taking new cadets on March 4.

Call in for more information or visit theaircadets.org.