Nine cadets from the 759 Beccles Squadron Air Training Corps have travelled to Ipswich to take part in the Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Athletics team.

The event is an opportunity for the group to socialise with other cadets from the area but also to compete against each other to win medals and trophies.

The cadets competed in a wide range of categories from juniors to seniors and from track to field events.

Cadet J Sparkes achieved gold for 300m and 1,500m, while Cadet N Sparkes achieved gold for 1,500m and silver in 800m. Cadets H Stokes and R Elmore achieved gold for long jump, while Cadet A Cahill achieved gold in 300m.

Cadet Flight Sergeant J Roberts, Corporal H Roberts, Cadet T Walding and Cadet J Burgess all competed as well and the points they achieved went towards the overall marks for the squadron.

The junior boys won the Don Shield and the junior boys and Cadet N Sparkes came second for the Lush Cup, which is the overall boys trophy for small squadrons.

The girls came second overall in the Lush Plate, which is the overall girls trophy for small squadrons.

The final trophy of the day was awarded to Corporal H Roberts for Wing Female Sports cadet of the Year.

Corporal Roberts said: “I didn’t win any medals, but the competition isn’t about that for me, it was about the atmosphere of the stadium while the events were going ahead, everyone got on, everyone was happy and the heat didn’t stop anyone supporting each other and having a great day.

“By the final parade everyone was exhausted, but when my name got called up as I won the Female Sports Cadet of the Year, the exhaustion went and shock took over. It was an overwhelming feeling having that trophy awarded, and it is definitely by best achievement of this cadet year.”

The Beccles squadron was one of the smaller squadrons to compete, making the medals and trophies they won even more special.

Commanding Officer Flying Officer Martin Dobson said: “I had a good feeling about the day. I had hopes about the Lush Cup and Lush Plate but the other two trophies were a real surprise. I am very pleased and proud of their achievement, it was a great day for the squadron.”

New cadets are always welcome to join the squadron. For more information email becclesatc@yahoo.co.uk or call 01502 714000.