HUNDREDS of Royal Air Force cadets proudly marched through the streets of Barrow today to celebrate two anniversaries.

Around 400 cadets and 100 squadron volunteers from Cumbria and Lancashire Wing of the Air Training Corps were marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF in 2018 and the 77th anniversary of the RAF Air Training Corps.

All 33 Cumbria and Lancashire squadrons were represented on the march, with young people attending from locations spanning from Carlisle through to Wigan. They arrived in Barrow on 10 coaches.

The events began at St James' Church with a service ahead of the parade, led by a band and 128 Barrow-in-Furness Squadron Air Cadets.

The cadets marched along Blake Street and then Duke Street to Barrow Town Hall and Town Square. Those marching included Cumbria and Lancashire Wing Commander Steve Molloy and South Cumbria Squadron Leader Ray Browne, who organised the events.

On arrival at Barrow Town Hall the air cadets and leaders saluted to the Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria, Claire Hensman, and Barrow mayor, Councillor Tony Callister.

The squadrons were then invited into The Forum for refreshments.

The cadets are aged 12 to 19 years and they take part in a range of activities which build confidence, leadership, skills, and community engagement. The Air Training Corps is the biggest single provider of Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the cadets go on expeditions, take part in sports competitions and also do flying training.

Flight Lieutenant Brian White, of Cumbria and Lancashire Wing ATC, an ex cadet and ex RAF personnel himself, said: "Today has been magnificent.

"This age group of young people get a bad press. We take young people with the aim of making them good citizens. Events like this interact with the community, this is seeing the future of Cumbria at its best.

These young people have self discipline, they have pride, and they are smart."

"Cadets has been life changing for me"



Sergeant Ethan Woods and Cadet Kian Laing of 128 Barrow-in-Furness Squadron Air Cadet

Sergeant Ethan Woods, 16, and Cadet Kian Laing, 15, of 128 Barrow-in-Furness Squadron Air Cadets were proud to march through Barrow.

Sergeant Woods, of Dalton, joined the cadets almost four years ago and aspires to join the RAF.

The Furness College public services student said; "I'm very proud of today and being part of it.

"I got involved with the air cadets because my parents wanted me to have more discipline. Cadets has been life changing for me. I have met people who I know I will stick with for the rest of my life. I've made friends and developed as a person. I have learnt quality skills, such as leadership, communication and cooperation."

Cadet Laing got involved with the air cadets two years ago.

The St Bernard's Catholic High School student, who wants to join the RAF Medical Corps, said: "Whenever I wear this uniform I feel a great sense of pride, I feel that I belong to something.

"I like the sense of being part of something. I feel a lot more confident now then when I joined the air cadets. It's a great organisation to be part of."