A number of air training cadets paraded through two Suffolk towns today to mark 75 years of the movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eq1SaAasUg

Cadets from Ipswich, Manningtree, Woodbridge and Wattisham joined the squadron from Felixstowe as they paraded from Crescent Road to St John’s Church, while in Bury St Edmunds cadets from the town along with squadrons from Thurston, Stowmarket and Sudbury made their way from the Abbey Gardens to St Mary’s Church.

Flight Lieutenant Emma Dixon said: “It was a really well turned out parade. There was lots of support from the local community.

“We filled the church out and despite the cold weather it went very well.”

Flt Lt Dixon said around 100 cadets turned out to parade.

She added: “It was a very special occasion and the beginning of a year of celebrations.”

Wing commander David Miller said: “It was an extremely good turnout of cadets in our region and one that everyone watching was proud to have witnessed what was a fitting start to our 75th anniversary.”

Rowan Saunders, civilian instructor and squadron adjutant of Bury’s 301 Squadron, said: “It went very well.

“There was a great turnout of just under 150 cadets and all seemed to enjoy themselves.

“There was a good mix of people spectating – people who were there for the parade and tourists who stayed to watch.

“I spoke to one of them very new cadets, who joined us just before Christmas, said he was excited and that it was quite a moment for him to march through the centre of his home town.”