AIR cadets got the chance to showcase their talents this weekend at an annual prom and air fair which is becoming a firm favourite with the crowds.

James Mortlock

AIR cadets got the chance to showcase their talents this weekend at an annual prom and air fair which is becoming a firm favourite with the crowds.

Thousands of people were entertained at the Thurston Community College event, which featured a flying display and an evening of entertainment to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Flying Officer James Perna, of 863 (Thurston) Squadron Air Training Corps - which laid on the event, said he was delighted at the way the air fair had grown from small beginnings12 years ago.

He said the event began on Saturday with an evening featuring swing music from a big band and a Last Night of the Proms firework finale to commemorate the end of the Great War.

Yesterdaydespite wet weather, attention turned to the skies as the crowds enjoyed various fly pasts and displays. One of the highlights was an aerobatics display by champion flyer Mark Jeffries.

Mr Perna said one of the most important aspects of the event was giving air cadets the opportunity to shine: “It's a good chance to showcase what the youth of today can do. The Thurston cadets themselves laid on music and put on various displays over the weekend - including squad rifle drills.

“And other squadrons - from Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Thetford - were involved with the Thurston squadron in the arena competitions, which included a gun run, obstacle courses and endurance tests.”

He said the event had gone from strength to strength: “It has grown more and more, year by year. Not only do we have visitors attend from across Suffolk but also East Anglia and they're never disappointed.”