Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK has praised the "excellent opportunities" offered by the Island's cadet organisations. Mr Earnshaw was attending the enrolment of 25 new cadets to the local Air Cadet squadron at their Headquarters at Tromode. In the presence of their parents, Minister Earnshaw, and the Island's Emergency Planning Officer Martin Blackburn, the cadets were officially enrolled as First Class Air Cadets by Squadron Padre, Rev Marc Wolverson. During their first six months with the Squadron the cadets - all aged 13 or 14 - have attended lectures in History of the Air Training Corps, Communications, The RAF, Principles of Flight, First Aid, Map Reading and Airmanship, as well as practical lessons in First Aid, Drill, Weapon Safety and Uniform. "The Isle of Man has a thriving cadet scene and it was my pleasure to attend the enrolment ceremony for the new members of 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Training Corps," commented Mr Earnshaw. "My Department is proud to provide annual funding to assist the running of the Island's cadet organisations, which continue to offer excellent opportunities for our young people to take part in adventurous activities and develop powers of leadership, responsibility, self-reliance and resourcefulness." Having completed their initial training, several of the new intake will be visiting an RAF base for the first time at Easter when the squadron enjoys a week?s camp at RAF Waddington. In addition to their continuing cadet training and activities, they will take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and begin earning BTEC qualifications. The Squadron also made a presentation to Mr Martin Blackburn in appreciation for his support to the ATC over the last ten years as Emergency Planning Officer with the Civil Defence. The Air Training Corps is an organisation open to everyone from the age of 13 to 20. The local squadron has over 100 cadets and 25 volunteer instructors and takes part in a wide variety of activities both locally and in the UK. Visit our website at iom-aircadets.org or contact 451229 for further information, or drop into the squadron at Tromode on a Monday or Wednesday evening to find out more. Ends