CADETS from Northwich have proved the best in the region at an annual event.

146 (Northwich) Squadron Air Cadets won a clutch of awards at the Merseyside Wing training day this month.

The competition sees 30 squadrons meet and demonstrate their skills in a number of areas, including foot and banner drill, marching band, first aid, aircraft recognition and marksmanship.

Northwich's cadets won the marching band and aircraft recognition competitions, came second in full bore marksmanship and third in foot drill uniform inspection, banner drill and the flight simulation contest.

They won first place in a project to create a recruitment video for the squadron.

The squadron also won a special award for its work in the local community, in which they also took the Charles Whitcomb Trophy, which is presented to the winning squadron out of 159 in the Wales and west area.

These awards led to 146 Squadron being named the overall winners.

Among the individual awards were the best sportswoman's trophy, won by Flt Sgt Laragh Harvey-Kelly, from Northwich, for the fourth consecutive year.

Sgt Indie Mackintosh, also from Northwich, won best overall female cadet in Merseyside Wing following an extensive selection process, including written application and interview panel.

Sqn Ldr Paul Thompson, Commanding Officer, said: "I am honoured to be the Commanding Officer of such a fantastic squadron, consisting of great cadets, great NCOs and great staff. Thank you all."

The Squadron will now go forward as the Merseyside representative for the Lee's Trophy, awarded annually to the best squadron in the Air Cadet organisation.

Northwich Air Cadets are next recruiting on October 6, with an introduction evening starting at 7.15pm at the Squadron HQ in Darwin Street. For more information visit theaircadets.org or email info@theaircadets.org.