Watton air cadets 'best in county'

Air cadets at Watton's 864 Squadron have been named the best in Norfolk and Suffolk for the second year in a row.The team, which has already won a regional trophy, is now battling to scoop a top award while representing the area in a national competition later this year.

Air cadets at Watton's 864 Squadron have been named the best in Norfolk and Suffolk for the second year in a row.

The team, which has already won a regional trophy, is now battling to scoop a top award while representing the area in a national competition later this year.

OC 864 (Watton) Sqn Flt Lt Michael Edney said: “Having been judged as the best overall squadron in Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, we now have the honour of representing the wing in the Lees Trophy competition to find the best squadron in the country.”

The trophy was inaugurated in 1949 by Air Marshal Sir Alan Lees. It is awarded annually to the best squadron in the country. Flt Lt Edney said that with 1000 squadrons eligible, the first hurdle was to be nominated by your wing which reduced the number of competitors to 36. Following a round of inspections by the regional teams, this number is reduced to six.

The successful squadrons then go head to head for the final inspection at corps level to decide the winner of the coveted trophy.

Flt Lt Edney said: “This is a fantastic achievement by everyone on the squadron. It is a testament to all the hard work by everyone involved with Watton Air Cadets. The icing on the cake is the recent announcement that we are one of only 26 squadrons to receive the personal commendation of the commandant air cadets with the award of his Certificate of Exceptional Performance.”