MILITARY cadets from from Oxfordshire are doing their bit to mark the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Cadet Forces.

Fourteen-year-olds Ben Buttle, Ben Green and David Payne joined more than 30 other cadets and instructors at the Army Training Centre in Bicester to kickstart the celebrations.

The event took place on Wednesday, at the same time as the national launch of Cadet150 at Buckingham Palace, in London.

Cadet150 is a programme of events designed to celebrate the anniversary and The Queen has agreed to be patron of the celebrations.

Air Training Corps cadet Ben Buttle, from Wantage, is a member of 1861 (Wantage) Squadron, and has been in the cadets for just over a year.

Ben said he joined to get involved with something different and keep himself busy and active.

He said: “The best bit about being in the ATC is the opportunity to go flying, and I also enjoy the fieldwork, where we get to learn how to shoot.”

His friend, Ben Green, from Wallingford, has been an Army cadet with the Wallingford detachment for 16 months.

He said, “The best bits about being a cadet are all the different experiences and challenges we get to try.

“I have been to Yorkshire on summer camp, where we stayed out overnight and learned how to survive in the field.”

David, a member of 966 (Wallingford) ATC Squadron, added: “I joined because I thought I would get a chance to make new friends and have some fun. I’m also keen to find out more about a career in the RAF.”

Colonel Amedee Mieville, of the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 150 years of this fantastic movement.

“The cadet forces offer such great opportunities for thousands of young people across the UK.

“We’re encouraging people to find out more through Cadet150 – come along and live the adventure.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk

For more details of Cadet150 or to find out about the cadets, see cadet150.org or serfca.org