MEMBERS of two RAF cadet squadrons armed themselves with fundraising buckets and took Cheshire Oaks retail park by storm.

Cadets and staff with 1074 Ellesmere Port Squadron and 472 Hoylake Squadron took up positions in Debenhams at the weekend to raise money for Help for Heroes.

They took donations and ran the ‘count the balloons in the VW Beetle’ competition on behalf of the war-wounded charity.

The Merseyside Wing is always on the look-out for new recruits, according to Flight Lieutenant Mark Armitage.

He said: “Royal Air Force Air Cadets is open to all young people ages 12 (Year 8) to 18 and offers the opportunity for cadets to experience many areas including flying, gliding, target shooting, leadership, The Duke of Edinburgh Award and much more.”

He also announced the recent promotion of two cadets for their “initiative and leadership potential”.

“On final parade last Thursday, Corporal Josh Birchall was promoted to the rank of sergeant and Cadet James Davies was promoted to the rank of corporal. These two cadets have shown the qualities expected of Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO’s) with the Air Cadets and with their promotions will assume new duties.”