A GROUP of cadets from the Droitwich Air Training Corps visited St James’ Palace to receive their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The youngsters travelled to London to receive their certificates from trustee and gold award holder HRH the Earl of Wessex. The presentation was a celebration and recognition of the cadets’ achievements.

Rachel Handley, Victoria Lane, Hannah Watson and Gerallt Wheeler worked tirelessly through the five sections of their Duke of Edinburgh programme over an 18-month period to achieve their gold award. Their diverse activities included an expedition to the Peak District where the group sought and recorded aircraft wrecks from the Second World War.

Three of the four cadets have now had to leave the ranks as they have reached the upper age limit, but they have returned to the squadron as volunteers to help the current crop of cadets. Former Cadet Warrant Officer Gerallt Wheeler, who is now a civilian instructor, said: “We all learnt so much through both the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and through being part of the air cadets. It prepares you for life and is a fantastic thing to have on your CV.”