TWO air cadets from Trowbridge are putting their special sister bond to the test later this month as they get ready to swim the English Channel together.

Cadet Sergeant Alice Wynne, 18 and Cadet Corporal Caitlin Wynne, 16, both of 2196 (Trowbridge) Squadron are joining a team of intrepid swimmers from across the country to battle tides and jellyfish on a relay swim which is just one of many events the RAF Air Cadets are holding this year to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Alice and Caitlin have been training hard at Trowbridge Swimming Club and at Vobster Quarry near Frome for months building up endurance and stamina as well as getting used to open water swimming.

Alice said: “We have all put in a massive amount of training and had to go through a rigorous selection process so it will be good to get into the water – we’re all very excited and hopefully we will also raise money for the Air Training Corps.”

The 21-mile swim is expected to take around 12 hours, with each swimmer – in two teams - bracing the 16C waters for an hour at a time.

The swim will be adjudicated by an observer from the Channel Swimming Association to ensure that all rules are followed for the event to be officially recognised.

Flight Lieutenant Ben Evans of 2196 (Trowbridge) Squadron said: “For the sisters this is another once in a lifetime opportunity they could not miss, both having already completed overseas camps among many other accomplishments during their time as air cadets.

“Despite the daunting prospect of swimming the English Channel, Alice and Caitlin are taking it in their stride and the whole Squadron cannot wait to see them when they come back from another great achievement.”

The sisters, who are students at St Augustine's College, have been raising sponsorship money through friends and family and hope to reach their target of £300.

To donate, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/alice-wynne.