Cadets help to celebrate anniversary of the RAF

Cadets from the Durham Northumberland Wing of the Air Training Corps taking part in the RAF100 Parade at Durham. Picture by Paul Norris

Hundreds of air cadets from across the North East, including Northumberland, paraded against the stunning backdrop of Durham Cathedral on Saturday to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

The 350 young cadets, including those from 1801 (Alnwick) Squadron, stood shoulder to shoulder with serving RAF personnel, reservists, Air Training Corps (ATC) staff and veterans, as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF.

The cadets, drawn from across the Durham/Northumberland Wing of the ATC, were also joined by dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenants of Durham and Tyne and Wear, and Air Vice-Marshal Mike Wigston, CBE, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.

Spectators gathered on Palace Green to watch the 500-strong RAF100 parade, led by the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band, and included a service of thanksgiving in Durham Cathedral. The parade culminated in an inspection, salute and march past observed by the VIP guests.