SEVENTEEN Royal Air Force cadets in Devizes have flown a plane 2,500 nautical miles from RAF Brize Norton to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus - without even leaving Wiltshire.

The RAF Air Training Corps cadets were given the chance to take control of a Grobe Tutor Simulator plane at their HQ in Franklyn Road during the day and night flight.

The cadets took part in a continual 24-hour flyathon and were watched by Devizes mayor Cllr John Stevens and his wife Mary, the Mayoress.

Wiltshire Times: Devizes Mayor Cllr John Stevens with first pilot Air Training Cadet Abi Collier and fellow cadets at the Globe Tutor Simulator. Photo: Trevor Porter 70105-2Devizes Mayor Cllr John Stevens with first pilot Air Training Cadet Abi Collier and fellow cadets at the Globe Tutor Simulator. Photo: Trevor Porter 70105-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The civic leaders joined the 2397 Devizes Squadron on Saturday (August 26) to support the cadets, who are raising £1,000 to help fund a minibus. They have already raised £790 towards the target.

Squadron Adjutant Anna Angel said: “They have had complete ownership of planning the route, lasting a continuous 24 hours (day and night) and were solely responsible for both flying and navigating the aircraft through 24 checkpoints towards Akrotiri and arriving at the destination on time.”

RAFAC 2397 Sqn (Devizes) will be recruiting a new intake of members in September. Applicants need to be in Year 8 or above. For further info please visit www.devizesatc.co.uk

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/24HourSponsoredFlight