Gallery: Wisbech cadets host special parade to mark anniversary of formation of the Air Training Corps

Over 140 air cadets from across the area joined a parade and church service to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the organisation on Air Training Corps Sunday.

The cadets, who came from seven squadrons from the Northern Sector of the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing of the Air Cadets Force including March, St Ives, Ramsey and Peterborough.

They formed up outside St Peter's Church where they were inspected by Wing Commander Gary Chapman from RAF Marham together with the Mayor of Wisbech Andrew Lynn and Wing Commander Tony Kelly, commanding officer of the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing.

The air cadets were formed in February 1941 as a means to prepare young men aged 12 to 18 for service.

Today it is still seen as a stepping stone to joining the armed forces especially the RAF but also helps provide good grounding for future employment in other jobs too.

After the inspection the cadets paraded around the Market Place where Wing commander Chapman took the salute supported by Wing Commander Kelly and the mayor.

After wards there was a service at St Peter's church led by the Rev Canon Matthew Bradbury, with the Rev Allan Landall from All Saints Church Walsoken, who is chaplain to the Wisbech 272 Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

The Rev Claire Williams also took part in the service.

Jan Hutchinson, treasurer of the civilian committee which helps fundraise for the cadets to help provide equipment and trips out, said: "It was a wonderful day. There were a lot of members of the public who watched the parade."

Jan, whose husband Ray is president of the Wisbech air cadets, continued "There is a parade and service every year with each squadron taking turns to host the event, and it was our turn this year. Afterwards we had light refreshments prepared by the Girls Venture Corps.