THE PROUD families of men from Dinas Powys and Penarth joined around a hundred people to watch RAF reservists at their passing-out parade in Cardiff.

Martin Wade and Jamie Bugeja joined 20 other recruits as the first members of Number 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron to graduate since the unit was reformed in 2014.

The 45-year-old Martin said it was “a special day”  while ex-Stanwell Comprehensive pupil Jamie said he was "very proud" to be part of "such a fantastic family in 614".

The 23-year-old joined the RAF Reserves to work in Motor Transport.

The mechanic added: "From the beginning it's been an amazing adventure and we have all achieved so much. It was such a sense of achievement to have a graduation and be part of something like this".

Officer Cadet Wade joined the squadron to work in media operations and he will begin his officer training at RAF Cranwell in May.

He added: “It was such a great feeling to be here with the people I’ve trained with and made friends with.”

Martin’s wife Su said it had been a “very proud day” while his dad Bill said the parade was “very impressive” and that it been “such an enjoyable day”.

Martin is the Digital Editor for Newsquest, publishers of a group of newspapers in South Wales including the Penarth Times.

The families and friends of the reservists were entertained in the squadron bar following the parade at the unit’s Cardiff base.

The part-time airmen and women reservists were on parade at the headquarters of Wales' only RAF reserve unit, Number 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron.

The 'passing out' parade marked their completion of the first phase of their training at RAF Halton where they learn how to handle a weapon, deal with chemical and biological attacks and how to give battlefield first-aid.

The recruits are drawn from men and women from across Wales and the west who have chosen to give some of their spare time to the Royal Air Force.