FLEDGLING air cadets have passed their training and joined Northwich’s squadron.

The graduation parade for 146 Northwich Air Cadets took place at the University of Chester Academy Northwich (UCAN), in Rudheath, watched by proud family and friends.

Squadron Leader Paul Thompson RAF VR(T), the Commanding Officer of 146 Squadron, said: “The graduation parade is the proud culmination of an 18-week intensive training course that is the first step in a new cadet’s career and introduces them to the unique opportunities that the Air Training Corps has to offer at 146 Squadron.

“The cadets cover a varied range of subjects, including History of Flight, Airmanship, Radio Communications, First Aid and Expedition Training, at the same time gaining new skills and making new lifelong friendships.”

Following the presentation of their First Class badges, five individual awards were given to recognise special achievement, culminating in the coveted Best Cadet award, won by Cadet Philipa Dickenson, from Kingsmead.

The new cadets were then joined by the remainder of the Squadron and marched from the site of the former memorial hall to their base in Darwin Street, accompanied by the Squadron Band.

Young people aged between 13-and-a-half and 17 are welcome to join the squadron, which holds entries in March and October.

For more information visit theaircadets.org.