HELICOPTER flying and piloting sea-going motor cruisers were just two of the activities enjoyed by army cadets from across Cambridgeshire on a nine-day camp in Dorset. Cadets from Whittlesey, Wisbech, March and Chatteris joined another 140 from around the

HELICOPTER flying and piloting sea-going motor cruisers were just two of the activities enjoyed by army cadets from across Cambridgeshire on a nine-day camp in Dorset.

Cadets from Whittlesey, Wisbech, March and Chatteris joined another 140 from around the county in taking part in the action-packed programme.

Outdoor pursuits, diving, snorkelling, off-road motorcycling, target and clay pigeon shooting and more featured at a camp at Chickerell on the south coast.

But the highlights of the camp were visits by a gazelle helicopter from the Army Air Corps at Netheravon, in Wiltshire, and Chinook Helicopters from RAF Odiham, in Hampshire, which cadets got the chance to fly around in.

Cadets also put into practice many of the military and camp craft skills they had learned, and got to spend two days living aboard HMS Bristol, in Portsmouth harbour.

It was all part of the county adventurous training programme which supports main stream cadet training.

Training officer, Major Mark Knight MBE from Wisbech St Mary, said: "We were looking to provide an enjoyable camp full of adventures and challenges, whilst maximising the options available to young people. I have no doubt that we achieved our aim in full."

County Commandant Colonel Roger Burgess OBE, who retires from post at the end of the year, said: "Without doubt, this has been the most exciting camp that Cambridgeshire has ever organised. Every effort was made to provide as much challenge and fun as possible.