AN AIR cadet squadron is celebrating after swapping last place for a string of successes at a day-long competition. Last year 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron came last out of all the squadrons which entered the Herts and Bucks Wing aviation day. But this year the

AN AIR cadet squadron is celebrating after swapping last place for a string of successes at a day-long competition.

Last year 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron came last out of all the squadrons which entered the Herts and Bucks Wing aviation day.

But this year they were declared the overall winners and also netted a range of other prizes.

The competition is a day of activities including aircraft recognition, art, engineering and music.

As well as the top award, the squadron was given the overall music trophy and came joint second in the drill competition.

Sergeant Saam Watts, 17, was named the best drum major and Michael Page, 15, best solo bugler.

In the model competitions, Corporal Martin Potter, 16, built a Sea Harrier model which won first in class and also best in show.

This model will now go forward to the next stage of the competition in September.

Flight Sergeant Christopher Moore, 16, was also awarded first place for his Tornado.

Cadet Emilie Pearson, 15, won the class one photography competition, and the squadron newsletter, Together as One, came third thanks to editors Corporal Samuel James and Corporal Lewis Stockwell.

Flight Lieutenant Erica Vey said: "1066 has just proved how much you can achieve if you work well together to achieve a common goal.

"All the members of the squadron have worked so hard to produce good entries and the cadets worked extremely well on the day itself.

"Another very pleasing performance by 1066."

Lewis Stockwell, 15, who took part in the day's events for 1066, said: "The day was excellent, we didn't expect to win but we worked hard as a team and as a result we won."

* The squadron is looking for new members, both male and female, aged between 13 and 17 years. They meet every Monday and Thursday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the TA centre on Bedford Road. Activities include flying, gliding, shooting, sport, and adventure training. New members can turn up on a Monday or Thursday to try it out or can visit their website www.hitchinaircadets.co.uk.