AIR cadets in Maldon have been reaping the rewards of running an award scheme for the past year.

The Maldon Air Cadets have been running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme since 2017, which recognises the work of outstanding young people aged 11 to 25 in London and Essex.

Participating groups will regularly select a member to receive the award, which gives them a certificate, badge, membership to the award's achievers club, and £250 to spend on something to benefit the group.

During the last year there have been four winners from Maldon Air Cadets; Corporal Drew Hill, Sergeant Aaron Totham, Cadet Michelle Jones and Cadet Joshua Keys. All of these went on to attend a celebration event in Chelmsford.

The cadets have spent their award money on a variety of activities including trips to Jump Street and Sky Ropes as well as buying equipment for the squadron, including rucksacks and a drone.

In addition, the cadets have also awarded one of the civilian instructors, Mel Gymer, the Jack Petchey Leader Award, meaning they could apply for a grant which has been used to buy six laptops from TDR Computers in Maldon.

Rob Butler and Ollie Singleton from TDR Computers came down to the squadron's parade night to present the computers to the cadets.