ALTON air cadets’ 613 Squadron celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Air Training Corps with a service at St Lawrence Church.

The young people from 613 Squadron looked impeccible in their uniforms as they paraded into the church for the service which was attended by local dignitaries, including Alton town mayor Pam Jones as well as regular members of the RAF and former members of the Air Training Corps.

The banner party, led by Flight Sergeant Bunce, paraded the new 613 Squadron banner for the blessing.

Cadet Sergeant Hillan, Cadet Sergeant Rebecca Humphrey and Cadet Corporll Sawdy gave presentations about the history of the Air Training Corps and 613 Squadron. Cadet James Spear gave a Bible reading and Cadet David Humphrey wrote and read a poem on the RAF.

The RAF Air Cadets, comprising both the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF), was formed in 1941 from the Air Defence Cadet Corps and is now one of the UK’s largest youth organisations.

In this, its 75th year, the Air Training Corps has seen a change in patron from the Duke of Edinburgh, who stood down after more than 60 years in post, to the Duchess of Cambridge, who became the new Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief.

Open to boys and girls from year eight to 17 years of age, the Air Training Corps is a youth military organisation that enables members to take part in a wide range of activities from flying and visiting RAF stations to sports, target shooting and adventure training and, according to members, “it is great fun!”

It also provides an opportunity to build on these achievements and to earn BTECs and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

In Alton, 613 Squadron, which is celebrating a year of independence after being a detached flight for many years, is based at headquarters shared with the Army cadets next to Energique Fitness Club in Anstey Park.

Parade nights are on Mondays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

The air cadets are very active in the community and the squadron is getting stronger year on year.

Flight Lieutenant Lorna Phillips, officer in command 613 Squadron of the Air Training Corps said: “It is a pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic group of young people and adult volunteers, especially as we celebrate 75 years of amazing achievements within the air cadet organisation.”

Of the service, Mrs Jones said: “I’m immensely happy to support the cadets and celebrate this monumental occasion. The air cadets gives young people an excellent start in life.”

For more details about becoming an air cadet, visit 613squadron.wordpress.com or call Alton headquarters on 01420 543021 or e-mail [email protected].