A GROUP of air cadets have made a flying start in an attempt to get a grand charity auction for a children s hospice off the ground. Following a presentation of Keech Cottage Children s Hospice in Luton last year, cadets from 22 Squadron Sandy Air Trainin

A GROUP of air cadets have made a flying start in an attempt to get a grand charity auction for a children's hospice off the ground.

Following a presentation of Keech Cottage Children's Hospice in Luton last year, cadets from 22 Squadron Sandy Air Training Corps decided to raise more funds for the hospice.

Now they have put together plans for the grand auction that will take place at Shuttleworth College.

One of the cadets behind the plan is Flt Sgt Phil Racher who said: "The cadets were saddened after seeing the presentation and how much money was needed to run the hospice and the needs of the children.

"As all the cadets are in the same age range as the children being cared for in the hospice, we decided on some positive action as we all could have been in the position of having a life-threatening illness."

Squadron commanding officer Flt Lt Margaret Bell said: "The presentation really brought home to the cadets that they could have been in that situation too.

"Following a brainstorming session with the cadets and staff, the plan was set in place and the organisation began.

"Cpl Alex Turtle formulated the letter and both he and Flt Sgt Racher signed it and then the vast posting operation began to various companies.

"The cadets are thrilled with the support they have already received nationally and locally and I am very proud of them."

The auction will take place on Friday, October 6, at Russell Hall, Shuttleworth College in Old Warden Park near Biggleswade.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter John Pilgrim has kindly offered his services as the auctioneer and it is hoped other celebrities will attend.

For more information on the auction lots and about the event, log on to www.sandy-aircadets.org.uk under the news 2006 page.