A sponsored walk in memory of a former Air Cadet has raised £430.

Thirteen cadets and staff from the 2431 (Keighley) Squadron joined 30 others for the annual James Preston Memorial Walk. James was a cadet sergeant in the Air Training Corps (ATC). He was killed in a car accident five years ago, aged 18.

The walk, in the Blubberhouses area near Otley, was organised by Paul Mason and Andy Storey, who were friends of James.

A cheque was presented at the Territorial Centre in Keighley by Kathleen Preston, James' mum, to Flight Lieutenant David Ireland who received it on behalf of Keighley Air Training Corps. In attendance were cadets, staff, James' father Derek, his brother Simon, and Andy Storey. The money has been used to buy two large ex-military tents for squadron use on adventure training camps.

They will also be used on the forthcoming France Expedition which takes place in mid-July.

Twenty cadets and five staff are driving to the Massif Central area in central France for eight days adventure training. The Squadron will be organising various events to help raise funds for the trip.

The ATC is open to boys and girls aged from 13 upwards. It meets in the TA Centre, Lawkholme Lane, Keighley, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9pm. For further information call in or phone at the above times on 606010.

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