DUNMOW Air Cadets have found themselves with their heads, quite literally, up in the clouds after scoring a double success on the ground. Last Sunday three cadets from 999 (Dunmow) Squadron ATC took to the air in their first flying lessons as part of a pa

DUNMOW Air Cadets have found themselves with their heads, quite literally, up in the clouds after scoring a double success on the ground.

Last Sunday three cadets from 999 (Dunmow) Squadron ATC took to the air in their first flying lessons as part of a partnership between Dunmow Air Cadets and Andrewsfield Aviation.

Before getting their hands on the controls of the Cessna 172, sergeant Gavin Daniel, and corporals David Granger and Jordan Hill underwent ground training before take-off. Once airborne the cadets had control of the aircraft under the watchful eye of flying instructor Paul Slater.

Cpl Granger, 16, from Bacon End, near Dunmow said: "The experience was well worth all of the fund raising. We were airborne for about 40 minutes and did turns, trimming and navigation.

"I've flown before and want to follow a career as a pilot and, being half Irish, would like to join the Irish Air Corps."

Another group of cadets will be taking to the air in early August, in the project that is being funded by the Civilian Committee of the Squadron with additional training being provided at no cost by Andrewsfield Aviation.

On Tuesday it was announced Uttlesford Local Partnership Fund had awarded the Dunmow Air Cadets £1,000 for adventure training equipment.

Commanding Officer Fl

Lt Jo Hayward said: "I believe fitness and good health should be a major part of cadet training and this grant will allow this aspect of the Squadrons work to be increased."

The grant will go towards the purchase of camping equipment, rucksacks, sports equipment and general adventure items.

Keith Daniel, chairman of the Civilian Committee said: "The grant, which was made by UDC on behalf of Uttlesford LSP Healthier Communities Group in conjunction with West Essex Primary Care Trust, is very welcome and will allow the cadets to purchase some greatly needed equipment."

This all comes on the back of the Squadron's triumph at the 25th anniversary Falklands Trophy over the weekend of July 7 and 8.

"The trophy is an inter-service challenge involving Army, Navy and Air cadets from across Essex," explained Mr Daniel. "To reach the final the cadets competed against twenty five other Air Cadet squadrons from Essex."

The cadets completed exercises in navigation, initiative, camp craft and endurance as well as an assault course during the weekend at Colchester.

At the end of the event a Remembrance Service was held to honour those who fell during the campaign. Each cadet was presented with a plaque by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre.

Anyone wishing to find more about Dunmow Air Cadets should contact the Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Hayward at the Drill Hall High Street Dunmow CM6 1AP. Call 01371 878915 between 7.30pm - 9.30 pm Monday or Thursday.