FOUR air cadets from 372 (Barry) Squadron have successfully completed their Assistant Basic Expedition Leader course.

The Assistant BEL course is designed for the air cadets to develop their outdoor leadership skills. As a result of this course the cadets are now able to assist the instructors to prepare the air cadets for adventurous training activities and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

This intensive course included learning about the role and responsibilities of the assistant leader; as well as planning, leading and evaluating expeditions.

The cadets also learnt about promoting environmental responsibility; developing their navigation and campcraft skills. The cadets experienced a demanding and challenging weekend on Dartmoor as well as more local training on the hills as well as classroom work. Throughout the course the cadets improved their presentation skills and confidence at the same time.

Corporal Toby Boss said the course was amazing: "We all worked really hard but we still enjoyed the course. This course will help me to train and prepare the younger cadets alongside the squadron instructors for their expeditions."

The Cadets from 372 Squadron who went were: Toby Boss, Rachel Carbis, Georgia James and Jake Paterson.

Flight Lieutenant Jason Horton, commanding officer, said this qualification will improve the confidence of these cadets but will also help improve the delivery of adventurous training to the cadets at 372 Squadron. The skills these cadets have learnt now will benefit them for many years to come.

The cadets are now preparing themselves for a busy and challenging couple of months including, flying, gliding, shooting, sport, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and their annual overseas trip to Belgium and France.

If you have a spirit for adventure, 372 (Barry) Squadron has vacancies for boys and girls between 13-18 years old. The Squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9.30pm, behind Adams Funeral Parlour or your can phone the Squadron on 01446 747734, email oc.372@aircadets.org or visit the Squadron website www.372squadron.org for more information about joining or the Air Training Corps.