Ref. 27880-29CARLA Dunn, who was burned by acid at a recent air cadets meeting, has deserted her squadron.

At an evening meeting almost a month ago, 20 cadets aged between were sprayed with acid when a container of cleaning fluid, consisting of 40 per cent phosphoric acid, exploded

One of the girls most affected by the incident, 14-year-old Carla who suffered scarring to the face, has stopped attending the cadets' sessions and has yet to return to school.

Carron Payne, Carla's mother, said: "Carla has not returned to the cadets sessions following the incident. We have not received an apology or an explanation of what happened that night. I'd have thought that was the least they could do."

The incident happened at Head-lands School which has since prevented the Air Cadet Organisation from using its facilities.

The cadets now meet at the 1st Stratton St Margaret Scout hut, in Taylor Crescent, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

The squadron consisted of a number of Headlands pupils, many of whom can no longer attend because they do not have transport to the alternative venue.

Mrs Payne, a 37-year-old sales assistant from Hawthorne Avenue, Pinehurst, said: "Carla had hoped her involvement with the air cadets would help her establish a career in the forces but her experience in November has tainted that view."

Carla, who is a pupil at Headlands School, does not anticipate returning to school until the New Year.

Her mother said: "Carla was very embarrassed about the marks on her face. They are noticeable and we still don't know whether they will leave permanent scars.

"People were stopping her in the street and kids at school were asking her about it endlessly. In the end she decided she would rather stay at home until the fuss dies down.

"I am worried about the education she is missing but the school have agreed to her having time off and I am sure she will catch up next year."

But cadet Liam Baker, 15, of Stratton St Margaret, is still attending the meetings, despite having burned his hands in the incident.

His mother, Alison, said: "It was his decision to continue going. He wants to become a Royal Air Force engineer.

"His hands were inflamed for a few days but Liam is fine now. I am more concerned about the emotional scars, because it was all quite traumatic."

The incident occurred when the cadets were cleaning out a cupboard at Headlands School. A human chain was formed and the contents of the cupboard were being put into a skip. But a container of cleaning fluid exploded.

Carla was one of the first children taken to the Great Western Hospital for treatment. Two others suffered burns to the neck and eyes. Up to 15 more were treated for fume inhalation, blisters and shock.

Emma-Kate Lidbury