AIR cadets were flying high after a donation put them £500 closer to getting a new mini bus.

The Edmonton Air Cadets have already raised £12,000 with sponsored bike rides and bag packs to try and replace their old, rusting vehicle.

But an extra £500 from the Royal Society of St. George Charitable Trust has put them closer to their £20,000 target.

Commanding officer, Flight Lieutenant Alex Iona, said: “The squadron still has some way to go. However the cadets remain focussed and will be undertaking a gruelling 50 mile sponsored bike ride from Reading to Pewsey, Wiltshire this month.”

Flt Lt Iona said the new bus was needed so the cadets, who are all aged between 13 and 20, could participate in the full range of activities available to them.

These include flying and gliding, sports competitions, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, band engagements and adventure training camps.

“For example two weeks ago ten cadets took part in a 42 Km road march in Folkestone, leaving Edmonton at 7am and returning at 7pm and last weekend five cadets went flying in Oxfordshire. Not so easy if we had to rely on public transport,” he added.

A presentation ceremony was held at the squadron's base in Galliard's Road, Edmonton, where a cheque was presented by Cliff Trowse of the Royal Society of St. George Charitable Trust and received by Bev Steed, chairman of 1159 (Edmonton) Squadron’s civilian committee.

To help the mini bus fund or to find out more about the squadron contact them on 020 8804 1155 or oc.1159@aircadets.org.