23rd November saw the 492 (Solihull) Sqn annual presentation night and 65th Anniversary celebration, at the Royal British Legion in Shirley, and West Midlands Police used the occasion to award both Solihull and 489 (Acocks Green & Olton) Sqn's a Blue Lamp Certificate.

Back in April, the two squadrons were approached by the Police to help out on Dorsington Road and Mickleton Road of Olton, which were of growing concern due to an increase in anti-social behaviour of the local youths. This behaviour led to the residents forming an extremely negative view of young people. One of the major points of concern and a source of great unhappiness was the extensive amounts of litter building up in the two streets.

With support from the Police, around 20 staff and cadets from 489 and 492 Sqn's made a committed attempt to clear the area of as much litter as possible on the evening of 27th April. Such a positive effort was made, that the council were required to remove more 2 van loads of full refuse bags.

Our efforts led to the award being presented by DCI Kenny Bell on Thursday 23rd November, where he stressed: "The importance of groups such as the ATC maintaining a high profile image of the majority of youths and the good work they undertake in the community."