AIR Cadets from 372 (Barry) Squadron, remembered the 110 fallen Barry soldiers from the great wars by laying a cross of remembrance on each of their graves at Barry cemetery, prior to Remembrance Sunday.

Flight Lieutenant Jason Horton, commanding officer, paid tribute to the Cadets for their assistance.

He said: "The Air Cadets once again did a wonderful job, paying their respects to the soldiers of Barry who made the ultimate sacrifice and they should be rightly proud of what they have done."

This year was all the more poignant as the Cadets have recently returned from a trip to Belgium and France.

Eleven Air Cadets from 372 (Barry) Squadron recently travelled to Europe to pay homage to those soldiers who lost their lives fighting for their countries in the great wars along with Air Cadets from Squadrons from No1 Welsh Wing.

The visit took place over a long weekend and encompassed the war memorials and battlefields of Ypres Salient, in Belgium and the Somme, in France.

The cadets stayed as guests of the Belgium Army in Ypres and during their time were able to parade with members of the local fire brigade performing the moving 'Last Post' ceremony at the Menin Gate.

As a sign of respect, the cadets laid poppy wreaths on behalf of the Royal British Legion and 372 (Barry) Squadron.

Cadet Calum Dowdell said: "We also went to Thiepval on the Somme to see where the fierce fighting took place.

"When you stand on the battlefields, it's amazing to think that in July 1916 this is where so many soldiers fought and died."

The cadets also made time to pay their respects at the Canadian War Memorial, Vimy Ridge and the memorial at Thiepval, which is dedicated to the 73,367 missing men of the Somme. The cadets also paid their respects to the war dead at the following cemeteries: Tyne Cot, Passchendaele, and Langemarck.

Flight Lieutenant Jason Horton said: "It was a very busy few days with an enormous amount of travelling.

"However, the cadets all felt that it was a worthwhile and emotional experience. Seeing the battlefields and memorials at first hand brings history closer to our present and not just left in the past.

"These men who died for their counties will not be forgotten by these cadets. This visit was kindly supported by Barry Town Council grant for local organisations".

372 Squadron has vacancies for boys and girls between 12 and17-years-old.

The Squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm - 9.30pm behind Adams Funeral Parlour on Gladstone Road or you can contact the Squadron on 07941 612695 , email oc.372@aircadets.org.uk or visit 372 squadron.org.uk for more information.