Cadets' victory at competition (From Penarth Times)

Cadets' victory at competition

TEN cadets from a Penarth squadron have returned home victorious after a nationwide adventure training competition.

The youngsters from the 1148 (Penarth) Squadron Air Training Corps took part in the Bearshead Challenge, held at the Nesscliffe Training Camp in Shropshire.

Twenty-two teams competed from as far afield as Forres in Northern Scotland, East Anglia, Wales and the north east of England. A total of 145 cadets attended the event.

Teams were tested on their proficiency at hillwalking, route planning, climbing, using the L98 rifle and first aid. Exercises included erecting a tent with missing poles and pushing a two tonne Land Rover around an obstacle course.

Penarth entered two teams. The B team of Cadet Warrant Officer Chris Sanders, Flight Sergeant Matthew Lewis, Cadets Paul Chellingworth, Neil Mahon and Peter Davies finished in 10th place despite achieving the best marks in the Land Rover push.

The A team of Cadet Sergeant Ben Welch, Cadet Corporals Ben Pleasants, Matthew Brushett, Dave Rollings and Cadet James Pudney were the overall competition winners after securing victories in the shooting, 12x12 tent and canoeing as well as high scores in hillwalking, climbing and the Land Rover push.

The winners trophy was presented on the final night by the Camp Commander Flight Lieutenant Ken Pudney. It was followed by a disco.

For more information on joining the squadron, phone 2035 0448. They currently have vacancies for boys and girls aged 13-18 years. They parade alongside Dingle Road train station on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 9.30pm.