ILKLEY Air Cadets have started their recruitment for 2021.

The 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron will soon be opening its doors to young people who are looking for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends.

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are a youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Air Force and they provide young people in Ilkley and Wharfedale with opportunities and activities in a military based environment which include flying, gliding, target shooting, drill, first aid training, leadership training, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

A spokesman said: "Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Air Cadets’ ethic.

"The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background or ability, whether you’re male or female, if you’re between 13, or at age 12 when beginning school year 8 and 17 years old you can join.

"1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron is a well-established unit and has been based in Ilkley since being founded in 1941 and it has played a fundamental part in the training and development of hundreds of young people since.

"We are not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but if you’re thinking about a Service career, cadet membership will put you ahead of the competition. Many cadets go on to great success in the RAF (and the other Armed Forces).

"Around 40 per cent of officers and 50per cent of all aircrew, including pilots, navigators and engineers, in the RAF now are ex-cadets.

"Research shows that they do better in basic training and stay in the Service longer than their colleagues.

"Likewise, if you chose a civilian career our research proves you can go on to great things; employers just love the skills and experience that the Royal Air Force Air Cadets offers."

Flight Sergeant Sam White, the Squadron’s Training Officer said “Having been part of the organisation myself since I was a Cadet, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that being part of the Air Cadets has had on so many of the young people that have come through our doors.

"When I joined myself I was a shy, young teenager and went on to achieve far more than I ever anticipated including my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, flying a glider solo and going on camps to places like Germany and Cyprus.

"I have also gained leadership and people skills that I still use daily in my job. In addition, many of the friends I have made throughout my time with the Air Cadets are still some of my closest friends today.”

The Squadron will be starting a new recruitment intake in September 2021. Visit 1224atc.org for more information or to register interest.

The 'Air Cadets', is a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years.

There are more than 1,000 squadrons across the UK.