AIR cadets from many counties gathered at the MoD facilities in Boscombe Down to take part in competitions.

The cadets, who came from the squadrons anywhere between Cornwall, Berkshire and Channel Islands, were tested on drill, aviation art, photography and their skills in disciplines such as aircraft recognition.

The highlight this year was the visit of the Air Cadets’ Senior Officer, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, Commandant Air Cadets, combining her annual formal inspection with informal time for the competitors, adult supervisors and specialist instructors, and both the internal Air Cadet and external judges.

This year, for the first time, QinetiQ, which manages the facilities, was pleased to sponsor the most successful young aircraft recognition specialists (under 16), who earn the right to represent the region in the national championships at the RAF Museum in Hendon later this year.

QinetiQ site manager Andy Tudor, who presented the winners with their trophy, said: “I was delighted MoD Boscombe Down was able to use its fantastic facilities to host the next generation of the Royal Air Force at this significant event.”

The winners of the aircraft recognition specialists’ competition were 355 Squadron, representing the Plymouth and Cornwall Wing.