AIR Cadets from Leominster and Hereford have recently returned from a week of adventure training in the Lake District.

Cadet from Leominster and Hereford joined 23 others from the West Mercian Wing in a week of activities aimed at introducing the cadets to outdoor pursuits and, through those activities, developing their self-confidence and team skills.

Activities included mountain biking, camping, canoeing, climbing and navigation exercises. The week culminated with a classic scramble up the Striding Edge ridge to the summit of Helvellyn. The cadets had to pick their way over the rocky terrain and ascend 300 metres of vertical climb to reach the peak, the third highest in England.

Three cadets from 151 (Leominster) Squadron have been taking part in the qualifying event for the annual Nijmegan marches to take place in Holland later in the year. To be eligible for the wing team the cadets have to complete 50 miles of road marching over two days around RAF Cosford. The Nijmegan marches are open to military and civilian teams from across the globe, for example teams coming from the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France and Brazil amongst others.

The event involves marching 100 miles over four days carrying 10kg of dead weight with water and other provisions on top. The cadets will overcome fatigue, blisters, and muscle cramp to complete the march and gain from it the immense team spirit and sense of achievement of completing what will probably be the most physically demanding challenge of their lives.

If you think you would like to take part as a cadet or could help out as a member of staff, Leominster Squadron parades on Mondays and Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm. Contact Flt Lt Richard Ford on 01568 615113 or e-mail 151@leominsteratc.freeserve.co.uk.