A group of cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps, braved Coventry's awful weather on Saturday 7 August to help the Coventry Leofric Lions with their 42 nd Donkey Derby.

With more than 40 charity stalls, featuring fine food and drink, and traditional fun and games, like tombola, face painting, and hook a duck, the squadrons stall fitted in nicely and the occasion proved a big hit, despite the weather.

As well as the recruitment and charity stall the cadets together with staff, faced the downpours head on to litter pick at the event which was held in the War Memorial park .

There were seven donkey races throughout day, the first started by the Lord Mayor of Coventry , Cllr Brian Kelsey. All the races were sponsored by local companies with the proceeds from the TOTE going to chosen charities.

The squadrons fundraising stall was part of many squadron activities taking place this year to help raise money to fund a much needed squadron mini bus. The stall was even visited by the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry as they walked around the event.

After chatting to the cadets the Lord Mayor Cllr Brian Kelsey and his wife Lady Mayoress Brenda Kelsey had a go at the squadrons fundraising activity, open the jar. Though the Lord Mayor didn't not manage to open the jar the Lady Mayoress commented “I never seen this activity before, it is a very good idea”.

Even though the heavy downpours kept the crowds away the open the jar activity raised a little bit more towards the mini bus fund. Everyone who came along enjoyed themselves and the Donkey Derby was great fun for those who took part.

Civilian Instructor Roni Tillman of 2438 Squadron said: " Once again 2438 Squadron have shown their commitment to supporting local events, enabling the cadets to help put something back into the community as well as putting local youth in a positive light. The cadets did an excellent job at keeping the grounds clear of litter and maintaining a presence within the park. The money raised from the fundraiser adds a little bit more to help buy a much needed squadron mini bus, so thank you to those who took part and thanks to the Leofric Lions especially Kevin Birch for allowing us to be apart of the event.”