BANBURY'S Air Cadets marched through the town on Sunday to receive a rare civic honour.

More than 150 cadets, led by the group's marching band, received the award from town mayor John Brooks.

The honour, equivalent to Freedom of the Borough, coincided with the 65th anniversary of the cadets the 1460 (Banbury) Squadron and was the highest recognition the town council could give.

The award was a tribute to the support given by the cadets to the town, particularly over the last 11 years.

The cadet's band performs at many civic functions, including the annual Battle of Britain parades and the Remembrance Sunday processions. It also plays at the Christmas Lights Festival, the Banbury Show, Canal Day, and other events.

The honour was presented by Mr Brooks to the cadet's commanding officer, Flt Lt Anthony Samms.

Mr Brooks said: "In 1947, the town mayor of that year asked the cadets to go out and encourage their friends and others to join the squadron. I repeat that request and I urge people to join this worthy organisation.

"As a former military man myself, I congratulate you on achieving this honour."

Ann Lyons, chairman of the squadron, said she was extremely proud of the cadets.

She said: "I would like to thank Mr Brooks and the town council for bestowing the civic honour on the squadron and providing a civic reception.

"The squadron has always had close links with the town and we were particularly pleased to receive the award in recognition of this long-standing tie. This was a wonderful day in the history of the squadron."

Sunday's event began with a procession from the town hall to St John's RC Church in South Bar, where Father Mervyn Tower and Wing Chaplain Rev James Turner conducted a service to celebrate the cadets history and future.

The first lesson was read by Chris Busby, a founder member of 1460 Squadron, and the second lesson by Sgt Gareth Jones a present day cadet.

The cadets marched back to the town hall where the salute was taken by Mr Brooks and other dignitaries, including Banbury MP Tony Baldry.

A Vigilant motor glider flown by Sq Ldr Marland Green, the commanding officer of 612 VGS at RAF Abingdon, and a former member of Banbury cadets carried out a fly past Mrs Lyons said: "I also want to thank the staff and cadets of 1460 Squadron, past and present, who attended in such numbers, and the squadron's band which led the parades."

Leader of the town council John Colegrave said: "The cadets have for a long time been part of civic life in Banbury, and have provided a service for the young people of the town. It was time they were formally recognised."

Celebrations included an exhibition of photos and mementoes from the last 65 years at the town hall.