Air Training Corps cadets are set to be given the Bicester’s highest honour – the liberty of the town.

The town council’s policy committee backed a recommendation to give the 100-strong 2507 Squadron ATC the honour.

The final decision will be made by the full council and, if approved, a special ceremony will take place next March.

The liberty of the town can be given to military organisations with a connection to Bicester.

It is an honorary title and effectively means military organisations can choose to march through the town with fixed bayonets, drums beatings and their standard colours flying. The honour was granted to 23 Pioneer Regiment in April 2006.

Conservative leader at the town council James Porter said: “Every time we have a civic event in this town we go to the ATC and say ‘please provide your band, please provide back-up for big events in the park’ and they always turn up.

“For that huge amount of commitment to the civic pride of this town, I think it’s right they have attained the very highest honour from the town.

“It’s a huge local organisation and provides opportunities for young people beyond that available in the town itself.”

Councillors also recommended a budget of £2,500 for the event, which will include the presentation of hand-crafted official documents.