2:10am Friday 21st November 2008
By Christine Sexton
SOUTHEND Air Cadets are celebrating after being honoured at the finals of a marching band competition.
The cadets of 1312 South-end Squadron Air Training Corps competed in the National Marching Band Championships and won a top award.
The event was the climax of a competition which began earlier this year. The squadron first competed against other corps in south Essex before competing against regional winners.
They were then chosen to represent London and the South East in the national finals at RAF Halton, in Buckinghamshire.
The championships included fanfare, percussion and ensemble sections. There were separate contests for solo bugles and solo drummers.
The Southend cadets won the award for turnout – full band, which is presented for appearance and smartness.
Flt Lt Julie Thomson said: “We loved taking part and are extremely proud to have won this award.”
The squadron is based at Southend Airport and has more than 80 members, aged between 13 and 18.
They meet on Monday and Friday nights, between 7pm and 9.30pm, and on Sunday mornings, between 10am and 12.30pm.
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