Cadet Corporal Robert Cygan of 8F (1 st City of Coventry) Squadron Air Training Corps never once thought that a photo took on his dad's camera would get him into MOD Headquarters. He certainly didn't think he would have an award presented to him by the RAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy.

Robert was taking part in an Air Experience Flight, one of the many activities available to air cadets, when the opportunity to take an award winning photo presented itself whist his pilot took the aircraft through a loop manoeuvre. Robert describing his winning picture said, "It's me doing a loop-the-loop on my second go at flying in a Grob Tutor. After that one I took the controls myself and did a loop-the-loop!"

16 year old Robert was entered into the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force category of the Royal Air Force's - Annual Photography Competition 2007 by his Squadron Corporate Communications Officer - Warrant Officer Amanda Hobbins. He faced fierce competition in the category and the judges, all top in the field of photography, agreed that the entries to all categories of the competition were of an excellent standard.

On notification of his award win, Robert was informed that the presentation of the award would be made by the Chief of Air Staff in a ceremony at Ministry Of Defence Headquarters in Whitehall , London. Robert's parents and Warrant Officer Hobbins were invited to attend the ceremony which started with an early train journey from Coventry into a hectic rush hour London.

Once through the tight security checks and a briefing, Robert and his guests were shown into the presentation room within the Ministry building, where they joined finalists from the other competition categories of whom a majority were serving members from photographic sections across the RAF.

All finalists entries were on display in the presentation area, their owners were joined by the competition judges - David Viggers is the Chief Photographer in charge of UK operations at Reuters News Agency; Eric Jenkins of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP); and Andy Robinson of Nikon Pro Magazine - all awaiting the arrival of the Chief of Air Staff.

After an introduction and speech, each winner was called up onto the stage in order of category to receive their award from the Air Chief Marshal. Once Robert was called to the stage as the winner of his category, the Chief of Air Staff asked Robert about his photo and his experiences in the Air Cadets.

After the presentations had concluded the finalists had the opportunity to talk to the Chief of Staff and have photos taken to mark the very special occasion. Corporal Cygan said "He asked how I took the picture, and said that it was a good picture!"

Warrant Officer Hobbins said "Corporal Cygan is to be congratulated on his achievement and his subsequent award. Not every cadet has the privilege to meet the Chief of Air Staff or visit MOD Headquarters."

Articles Submitted by:-
AWO Amanda Hobbins ATC SMCO - 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn
21 Nov 07