MORE than 300 Wiltshire Air Cadets paraded through Highworth to commemorate its 68th birthday yesterday.

They celebrated the founding of the organisation with a formal march through the town and a special service at St Michael’s Church.

Group captain Mike Neville, the station commander of RAF Lynenham, was the reviewing officer at the parade and was accompanied by mayor of Highworth Melanie Duff and wing commander Philip Cubitt, the officer commanding the Wiltshire air cadets.

“This is one of the most important events in the Air Training Corps year,” said Commander Cubitt.

“These youngsters set such high standards for themselves and every year they do such a wonderful job.”

Each year one of the Air Training Corps squadrons has the honour of hosting the parade and this year it was the turn of 878 Squadron who are based in Highworth.

They were supported by cadets from all 18 squadrons in Wiltshire and led by the band of 1244 Squadron from Swindon.