THE annual parade of air cadets from across Wiltshire was held in Melksham on Sunday with nearly 300 people taking part.

The Air Training Corps in Wiltshire holds a parade each year in a different Wiltshire town to celebrate the anniversary of its formation on February 5, 1941.

This year it was Melksham's turn and 280 cadets turned up for the parade on Sunday afternoon.

The cadets, from 17 different squadrons countywide joined officers to march through the town at 2.40pm.

The parade started at the Cooper-Avon Tyres car park in Bath Road at 2.40pm, moved through High Street and Church Street, saluted Melksham's mayor Terri Welch and Wing Commander Phil Cubitt, before the cadets attended a church service in St Michael's Church.

Afterwards they enjoyed tea and biscuits at the Assembly Hall.

The Swindon British Legion band accompanied the parade and the cadets were smartly dressed in their uniforms.

Flt Lt Darren Gerrish, 34, who organised the parade, said: "It was very good. It all went well and there were no mad panics. Lots of people came to watch."

The air corps is often the breeding ground for the future careers of successful flying officers and is open to young people between the ages of 13 and 21.

Anyone who wants to join their local ATC should contact the Wing Headquarters on (01980) 622014.