Three Air Cadets have become the first in years from 999 Dunmow & District Squadron to have gained their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The award is made up of several elements, including six months of volunteering, six months acquiring a new skill, three months of physical activity and a couple of three-day long expeditions, one to the South Downs and one to the Peak District.

Sgt James Sawyer, Cdt Josh East and Sgt Aaron Martin chose to learn the correct use of VHF/UHF radios and attain the Air Cadet Communicator Badge.

While the three Dunmow cadets are the first in several years to have gained their silver awards, further expeditions have been planned and many more cadets are on their way to completing the award.

? The Air Cadet Organisation recently lowered the cadet recruitment age to 12 years old. The next intake date for new cadets at Dunmow Squadron is at 8pm on Monday, September 22. If you are interested in joining the Air Cadets, send an e-mail to e-mail999@aircadets.org for more details.