CADETS from Droitwich have beaten stiff competition from squadrons around the country to reach the national drill final.

Members of 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron are one of six teams to make the grade.

The team from Droitwich qualified for the recent regional competition at the Wing Training Day in June, where they out performed 25 other squadrons from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. They continued to practice throughout the summer and won the regional competition by more than 100 points.

Cadets from 2516 (Droitwich) remain the only squadron from the West Mercian wing to have competed at national level.

Squadron commander Paul Wilde said: “The level of effort the team has put in is outstanding. To come so far, for the third time in four years, is a fantastic achievement.”

The national drill final will take place at RAF Halton in November.

Meanwhile, Cadet Sergeant Ellie Nicholls, of 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron, was recently awarded her grade one pilot wings allowing her to take other cadets on glider experience flights.

Her high level of commitment to the Air Training Corps has been further rewarded by her recent appointment as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Worcestershire, a prestigious achievement that will see her accompany the Lord Lieutenant on his official duties for the next twelve months.