THE air cadets in Tavistock have received a new BSA Scorpion air rifle purchased with donations in lieu of flowers at the funeral of Barras Laing from Bere Alston.

Barrass was the shooting instructor at 2312 squadron for many years, helping hundreds of cadets gain their marksmanship awards. Barrass attended numerous camps at RAF Stations all over the UK and escorted cadets flying.

He was a willing helper at all cadet activities and was an asset to the three commanding officers he served under.

Barrass volunteered when his son Neil became a cadet and was appointed a civilian instructor in 1980. Neil's brothers Shaun and Marvin and Barrass's grandson Scott all became air cadets.

The Laing family visited 2312 recently to present the new rifle to the cadets. Barrass donated a trophy for shooting. A second replacement trophy is now required that will also be paid for from the donations.

Barrass retired from the cadets in 2006. During his 26 years of service he was awarded the Commandant's Certificate of Good Service and a Lord Lieutenant's Certificate in recognition of his committment to the Air Training Corps.

Current Commanding Officer Flt Lt John Olver said: 'I am pleased Barrass will be remembered by the annual award of his trophy and by cadets using the new rifle.

'He gave unstintingly of his time for the benefit of the cadets.'