AIR Cadets from Westbury's 68 Squadron ATC were praised for their efforts at the Badminton Ride, which raised money for the Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force Association charity and had upwards of 900 horse riders, and many more spectators attending.

The organisers were desperate for assistance with parking cars and horse boxes, and sent out a mayday to youth groups across the county. Fortunately the Officer Commanding 68 (Westbury) Squadron ATC, Flt Lt John Gillespie, answered the call, much to the relief of SSAFA.

As always the cadets from Westbury were exemplary ambassadors for the Air Cadet organisation plus they did the town proud. Many of the visitors and competitors at the event were very vocal about how well the young people from the squadron conducted themselves.

Flt Lt Gillespie said it was quite an ask to expect so many cadets from the squadron to meet the challenge over the weekend, especially when many had been to target shooting, flying and car parking at Corsley Show the previous weekend.

In the next few weeks they have inter-Squadron ten pin bowling competitions, a visit to the Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford and more coming up. He said: "To say I am both impressed and proud of our cadets is an understatement, they have been brilliant!"

68 (Westbury) Squadron parade on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7-9.30pm. If you are interested in joining, call in to the Cadet Centre on West End Road, Westbury on a drill night.