On Friday 7 th September 2007 , Cdt Sgt Claire Walker from 487 Sqn Kingstanding and Perry Barr ATC, travelled to the West Tofts training area to take part in the Junior Leaders Course selection weekend.

The Junior Leaders course is widely accepted as the toughest course in the Air Training Corps, and only young people with exceptional leadership capabilities are allowed to take part.

The selection weekend consisted of a fitness test comprising of a mile and half run, and also press ups and sit ups. Sgt Walker also had to take part in command tasks where she had to lead a group of other cadets in a wide range of leadership based tasks.

The final task was a formal interview with the directing staff. Sgt Walker was extremely pleased to pass the selection weekend, although this is just the start for her. She now has to complete an arduous eight month course which involves her spending most weekends away from home at different locations around the UK .

Flt Lt O'Neill, Officer Commanding 487 Sqn, commented "We are all extremely proud of Sgt Walker in what she has achieved. The ATC does not send many cadets on this course and to be selected is a great achievement. The whole of 487 Sqn wishes her well over the next eight months and we will provide her with every support"