BURNHAM’S air cadets are riding high after winning one of the RAF’s top awards.

The cadets where handed the squadron of the year award from the RAF Benevolent Fund on Friday.

A special award ceremony took place in London to mark the work of cadets and air force employees across the country.

The prize was awarded to the Burnham Air Cadets to mark all their charity work in and around the community.

It also took into consideration the part their played in organising the flypast event at the former RAF Bradwell Bay last year.

The Air Chief Marshal of the RAF, Sir Andrew Pulford CBE, was there to congratulate the cadets for all of their hard work in receiving this award.

Ian Ward, civilian instructor, said: “They do an awful lot of work in the community and charity.

“It is one of the most prestigious things they can get awarded.

“We got shortlisted down to the final three so we knew we had a chance [of winning].

“It was fantastic to be shortlisted and it was a big surprise to win.”

The evening gave the cadets the opportunity to speak with RAF servicemen and find out more about roles they may move into in the future.

Mr Ward added: “It was a fantastic experience and a good opportunity for the cadets as they were able to go out and speak to commanders and squadron leaders.

“They got to do a bit of networking and chat to people in jobs they are aiming for.”

Burnham Air Cadets is looking to recruit cadets and adult staff.

Those interested should go along to parade nights at the Burnham Baptist Church on a Monday or Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Air Marshal Chris Nickols, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Each year it gets harder and harder to decide on the winners of these awards and that is a testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity with which our supporters contribute to the fund and its work.”