TWENTY-six Tavistock RAF air cadets received classification awards at a parade at Crelake Cadet Centre.

The awards were presented by wing commander Francis Reis the officer commanding Plymouth and Cornwall Wing ATC. Six cadets also received their BTEC certificates in aviation studies — the culmination of four years’ training.

Wg Cdr Reis inspected the 31 cadets on parade in front of 50 parents and friends.

The squadron band performed for the guests and Sgt Upha Barclay gave a presentation on her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.

Parents and guests were able to tour the squadron and see the activities on offer at the 2312 Squadron.

The finale to the evening was presentation of certificates of good service to Kevin Smith squadron chairman, civilian instructor Shaun Reid and warrant officer Graeme Ross.

The annual awards to cadets were: cadet of the year, Cpl Zara Waddy; Newcombe Trophy best NCO, Sgt Ryan Langman; Mitchell Sport Trophy, Cdt Georgia Stolliday; best junior cadet, Cdts Madeleine Cook and Darcy Hollinson; crook drill Trophy, Sgt Zac Godley-McAvoy; Saunders attendance trophy, Cpl Lucas Pavlou; Laing Shooting Trophy, Sgt Lewis Laing; endeavour trophy, Cpl Angus Dixon.

Unit CO Sqn Ldr John Olver said: ‘The cadets have reaped the benefit of the training given by the volunteer civilian instructors who are the backbone of the squadron programme.’

The squadron expressed thanks to all the parents who helped with the refreshments.