THE 2443 Okehampton Squadron Air Training Corp is going from strength to strength during a busy few months.

The group is currently fundraising for the 2015 to 2016 period, for six of their older cadets and three staff to undertake an expedition to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, in a team of 20 cadets and six staff from all over Devon and Somerset.

Waitrose chose the ATC as one of its three local charities to support through its Community Matters scheme in January and recently presented a cheque for £400 to the organisation. Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council also donated £150 to its cause.

This fundraising is on top of a grant from Awards for All for £8,700 for IT equipment for the organisation.

Commanding officer Flt Lt Andy Oliver said fundraising and support from parent body the RAF allowed the group to keep costs to local young people to a minimum and offer affordable opportunities. This helps give equal opportunity to all young people in the area.

Flt Lt Oliver RAFVR(T) said: 'Our young people have so much to offer and the air cadets are a shining example of what they are capable of.

'I am never disappointed when I see how much cadets increase their confidence over their time as cadets. My staff and I are fully committed to Okehampton Air Cadets and look to increase accessible exciting opportunities.'

Most activities provide opportunities to obtain skills that are not only fun but transferable to home, school and ultimately will assist in employment later in life.

Coming up in May, cadets will be undertaking basic nationally recognised skills in climbing, canoeing, sailing and navigation on the moor. The group also took part in the Keep Okehampton Tidy litter pick on Saturday and has also been granted a street licence from West Devon Borough Council to collect in the street in the day to help raise much needed funds. Cadets will also be attending the Rotary May Fair in Simmons Park this Sunday.

Based just off Tors Road — the road to Okehampton Camp — by The Granite Way cycle track, the unit meets each Monday from 7pm to 9.30pm with the hut open from 6.30pm and on occasional Thursdays.