The Cadets and staff of 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron Air Training Corps recently faced a rigorous 'Lees Trophy' inspection by their Regional Commandant, Group Captain Brett Morrell .

Having already been selected to represent the Warwickshire and Birmingham area in the 'Lees Trophy' the formal inspection of the Squadron by Group Captain Morrell was the next phase of the competition. If they are successful the Nuneaton based Squadron will then go on to compete against the winning squadrons from the 5 other regions in the final stage of the competition to find the best Air Cadet squadron in the country.

During his formal inspection of the Squadron, Group Captain Morrell made a specific point of talking to every single cadet on the parade. Having reviewed the parade and march-past by the Squadron, Group Captain Morrell had an opportunity to see the squadron in action. During his tour of the unit the Squadron's Band put on a display which included a selection of new music which has recently been added to their repertoire for the 2010 season. He also saw cadets undergoing Navel Field Gun display team training, a group of cadets taking part in Rifle Drill training and one of the Squadron's community project teams which was just starting work on a mural to support a Rotary Club child safety event.

Group Captain Morrell said “This is the second time I've visited your Squadron for a Lees Trophy inspection and I have been impressed by what I have seen tonight. It's to early at this stage to tell you if you have been successful in the Regional phase of the competition as I still have other Squadrons to visit but whatever the final result you should all be extremely proud of yourselves, your Squadron and the excellent way in which you have represented the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing in this years competition.

The unit commander Flight Lieutenant Ian Crewe said "Being selected to represent the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing for a second year has been a great honour for 121 and a marvellous boost for the cadets and staff who have put in so much time and effort in making the squadron one of the best. Our cadets have taken a full and active part in a wide range of Air Cadet activities and have achieved success in the air and on the ground. Over the past year we have also been extremely active within our local community with our cadets and especially the Band making regular appearances on the streets of Nuneaton and Bedworth in support of various charitable and ex-service organisations.”

“Whatever the outcome of tonight's inspection we can be proud of the fact that we are already part of a small group of only 36 other squadrons nation-wide to reach this stage of the competition. We have got a lot more work to do if we get through to the next stage of the Lees Trophy competition. Having said that when we look back at what we have achieved so far over the past two years, we should be well placed to pursue our bid to become the best squadron in the Corps".

View More Images from the Lees Trophy Inspection