The Biggleswade Air Cadets are holding a recruitment evening next month to find new cadets.

Being held at the Air Training Corps headquarters in Shortmead Street on July 30, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, 2065 Squadron are looking to increase their numbers.

Their commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Scott Allen spoke to the Comet about the squadron and what they offer.

“The Air Cadets organisation offers young adults a vast range of activities to take part in, both during weekday parade nights and at the weekend,” he said.

“Activities include the Duke of Edinburgh award, flying, a large range of sports, shooting, drill and military camps, among a huge number of others.

“We offer activities that provide challenge, excitement and adventure and the knowledge you pick up along the way through structured lectures and first-hand experience.

“The Biggleswade squadron are heavily involved in the local community – including supporting remembrance day services, church fundraising events and events at Shuttleworth, among others.

“We accept new cadets from the age of 12, if they are in Year 8, up to the age of 18.

“We are also recruiting for new members of staff to help out at the squadron. No previous military experience is required – just a willingness to learn, teach and help young adults in the local community.”

The Air Cadets were formed on February 5, 1941, with King George IV as Air Commodore-in-Chief, top help prepare men for service in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Upon its formation the Air Training Corps had 400 squadrons – but it has grown considerably since, with more than 1000 squadrons in 2015.

It has also evolved, with female cadets now allowed to join from the early 1980s, while opportunites for flying are now widely available.

Biggleswade has a rich aeronautical history, with the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden a popular attraction home to a number of historical aircraft. It was also formerly the home of engineering company Gloster Saro, which designed heat insulation for planes such as Concorde.

For more information visit 2065biggleswade.co.uk, call 01767 314 558 or contact 2065@aircadets.org.

You can find 2065 Squadron on Facebook @2065BiggleswadeSqn or follow them on Twitter @AirCadets2065.