STAFF and Cadets from 1148 (Penarth) Squadron recently visited Imperial War Museum Duxford and central London to learn a bit more about Britain and its involvement with the two World Wars.

They travelled down on the Saturday morning and spent the afternoon at IWM Duxford which is set within the spacious grounds of the famous former First and Second World War airfield. They saw some of the most iconic aircraft in the world and got hands-on with some award-winning interactive exhibitions and the impressive collection of over two hundred aircraft as well as tanks, military vehicles and boats. The AirSpace Section tells the story of British and Commonwealth aviation. Its Aircraft Hall is home to over 30 aircraft including an iconic Spitfire, a legendary Lancaster and the fastest-ever Concorde.

On Sunday they travelled to central London to visit the Bomber Command memorial, the Royal Air Force memorial, the Battle of Britain Memorial and had a tour of the Royal Air Force Club. They then visited the War Cabinet Rooms, the basement of Whitehall, which is a fascinating piece of living history. You see the chair in which Churchill presided over meetings, the Map Room which is the informational hub of the entire site and the rooms in which these people stayed during the tense days and nights of the Second World War.

Before finishing their afternoon shopping in Covent Gardens, the cadets and staff visited Downing Street and got a picture outside number 10. Cadet Angharad Webb said: "I had such a great time in London, and it was very exciting to have a picture at Downing Street and the War Cabinet Rooms were so interesting. We even got to stay at RAF base for the night which was fun. I have learnt a lot about Britain in the World Wars and how we remember those who gave their lives."

If you have a spirit for adventure, 1148 (Penarth) Squadron has vacancies for boys and girls between 13-18 years old. The squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm-9.30pm next to Dingle Road train station or you can contact the squadron on 02920 350448, email oc.1148@aircadets.org, check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/1148PenarthAirCadetSquadron and follow them on twitter @1148PenarthSqn.