A LONG serving leader at Tavistock Squadron Air Cadets, recently received recognition for his service.

The chairman of Tavistock’s air cadets Kevin Smith asked a friend from his days in the Royal Navy to come to Tavistock to make a special presentation to CO Sqn Leader John Olver.

John joined the cadets in 1965 and rose to become cadet warrant officer.

He was commissioned directly into the RAF VR(T) in 1972 and has served at the Tavistock unit ever since.

Rear Admiral Keith Beckett CBE made the journey from Gloucester to present John with a replica percussion cap pistol.

John has always had a keen interest in shooting and has been a range officer and weapons instructor for most of his adult service.

John is on his third stint as CO with 2312 Tavistock Squadron Air Cadets at its fourth location but back at Crelake where he started in 1965.

John now oversees four other units as sector commander.

John said: ‘I would like to thank the squadron for my gift. It will always remind me of days on the range and all the other cadet experiences that I have had over the years. The air cadets still offer a range of activities that I believe are second to none. I am proud of all our cadets and the volunteer staff who do so much for the young people.’