Cadets march on to national finals

DELIGHT . . . Royton ATC with Group Captain John Middleton OBE, at the end of the awards ceremony.

ROYTON Air Training Corps hit the right notes to make the finals of the national marching band championships.

Over 50,000 cadets entered the competition but Royton 1855 squadron stormed the north region — which reaches as far as the Midlands.

The group, defending their title this year, gained first places in individual competitions, including a solo drummer award for cadet corporal Ben Miller.

They also won the best fanfare and percussion awards at the regional heat at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

Routines were put together by commanding officer Mark Hamilton, and judged on musical ability, quality and complexity.

The regional commandant from the north region, captain John Middleton OBE, handed out the awards to the members.

Now the squadron enters the finals and if they win, they will continue their duties as champion band, which includes performing at various RAF events throughout the year.

Gary Morrissey, ATC committee member said: "I'm very pleased that the squadron have made it through to the finals. It is a great reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by the members and the staff.

"These kids give up a lot of their weekends to practice and they also raise a lot of funds for the squadron.

"Hopefully they will win the competition again and make it a double!"

The eagerly-anticipated final takes place in November at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Next week the squadron finds out if it has won the Lees trophy — given to the UK's best squadron for overall achievement and efficiency.