KNUTSFORD Air Cadets have completed a marathon year of fundraising which has seen the 2056 Squadron raise £4,000 for a cancer charity and the Poppy Appeal.

In July the squadron raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a bag-packing event at Booths supermarket in Knutsford.

A squadron spokesman said: “We would like to thank those who supported the appeal, the staff at Booths and the manager for permitting the event, without whose support the fundraising could not have taken place.”

In October and November the squadron raised more than £3,000 for the Poppy Appeal over four weekends at the Knutsford Services on the M6.

The spokesman added: “We would like to formally thank the management and the public for their support.

“The fundraising coincided with the hectic period when cadets were rehearsing for band practice and drill to lead the Remembrance Parade.

“As many of our cadets had aged out this year, many recruits were new to drill, but put in an excellent first performance for the squadron.

“With hardly time to take a breath, the cadets were then looking at further fundraising for the squadron.

“This time the event was to fund new computers and a flight simulator.

“Taking pride in their community, the cadets undertook a sponsored litter pick during the two days of the Christmas market.

“The funds raised means the squadron is now well on the way to achieving its target, while the community benefited from being kept clean and tidy during the coming festive season.”

Ending the year was the annual Dining-in Night. The evening dinner was an occasion to socialise with family members, squadron staff, committee members and honoured guests.

This year the guest of honour was Major John Morton-Race of the Army Air Corps. The night concluded with awards and a raffle.

Cpl Brennan achieved the Best Cadet award, having gone solo gliding. FS Risley also received a BTEC Level 2 in Aviation and the Shooting trophy.

Cpl Grace and Cdt Dawson received their senior classifications, whilst Cpl Booth was awarded the Fundraiser trophy, having raised more than £750 for the Poppy appeal.

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After a break for Christmas the squadron is looking forward to an exciting 2020.

If you are aged between 12 and 18, with an interest in aviation, have a spirit of adventure or an interest in band music and feel the Air cadets may be for you, email adj.2056@aircadets.org or call 01565 750411.