Air cadets in Bicester are flying high after RAF top brass named their squadron the best in the region.

Bicester Air Cadets beat off stiff competition from 22 other squadrons to take the title of best in the South West.

The cadets will now represent the region in the search to find the best in the country.

Commanding officer, Flight Lieutenant Chris Breward said: "I'm delighted we have been formally recognised as the best squadron in the South West.

"Our cadets and staff always give 100 per cent and this is a great reward."

Corporal Dean Gidney, 16, of Kingsclere Road, Bicester, said: "Morale went right up. It's really good because last year we came second."

Group Captain Mike Remlinger, regional commandant for the Air Training Corps in the South West, and Squadron Leader John Maddocks, assistant regional commandant, carried out a formal inspection of the squadron last month.

Sq Ldr Maddocks said: "The squadron is a credit to the Corps, with the cadets confident, respectful and well turned out.

"Whatever the outcome of the countrywide competition, it is a flagship squadron which sets the standard."

Bicester Air Cadets, which has 45 members, meets at Caversfield on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6.45pm.

The squadron's next intake starts in the final week of August.

For details, call 01869 249416 or email oc.2507@aircadets.org