THE Home Affairs Minister has praised the Island's "thriving" cadet scene.

Adrian Earnshaw MHK said the cadet organistions in the Island provided excellent opportunities for young people.

25 new cadets were officially enrolled as First Class Air Cadets by squadron padre Rev Marc Wolverson last week.

Mr Earnshaw attended the enrollment with the Isle of Man's emergency planning officer Martin Blackburn.

He said: "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.

"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."

During their first six months with the squadron the cadets, who are aged 13 and 14, have attended lectures on the history of the air training corps, communications, the RAF, principles of flight and first aid. They have also attended practical sessions in drill, weapon safety and uniform.

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 will visit RAF Waddington. In addition the cadets will also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and begin earning BTEC qualifications.

The Air Training Corps is open to everyone from the age of 13 to 20. The local squadron has over 100 cadets and 25 volunteer instructors. For more information call 07624 451229.