2312 SQUADRON Air Cadets dined out their Commanding Officer Phil Newcombe at the Tavy Club recently.

Phil has been promoted to Squadron Leader and is now on the staff of Plymouth and Cornwall Wing ATC responsible for overseeing five squadrons and the Duke of Edinburgh and BTEC award schemes.

Phil enhanced the programme at Tavistock during his seven years in charge of the unit and has enabled more than 100 young people to achieve awards.

Phil has handed back the commanding officers role to Flt Lt John Olver but will not be deserting the unit completely as he will be retaining an overview of the DofE scheme on Thursday evenings and assisting with adventure training. Thirty-one cadets and ten staff attended the dining out at the Tavy Club.

After an excellent meal Phil was presented with a scale model of a GR3 Harrier as token of the squadron's appreciation (right).

Phil said: 'The Air Cadets is a youth organisation that is second to none in what it offers young people. Ihave thoroughly enjoyed my time as CO and wish Tavistock every success in the future.'

The squadron expressed thanks to the staff at the Tavy Club and the volunteer waitresses for giving everyone such a pleasant evening.

The squadron is looking for new adult officers and non commissioned officers to lead it in the future. Training is provided which can lead to a variety of qualifications while enjoying all the activities the cadets offer.

Contact the new CO John Olver on 01822 612743 for details.