Working up through the various stages of the 'Duke of Edinburgh Award' scheme, Sergeant (ATC) Shoheb Akhtar and Civilian Instructor Ravi Halai attended a ceremony at St James's Palace to collect their hard earned Gold Awards.

They have worked with many other cadets around the Wing at each stage of their DEA and have walked over 460 miles between them for their expeditions; from the heights of Ben Nevis to the Essex country side, they have done extremely well.

"I have waited for this moment ever since i first joined as a cadet in 2001, at last i have completed it all and the feeling is great!" as said by Sergeant ATC Shoheb Akhtar, who is now the Squadron Warrant Officer.

When asked "What was the hardest moment of the Award Scheme" CI Halai replied "The final day of our Gold expedition. It was very hot and we were all knackered. Water supply was low and we had to look at natural resources for fresh water, it was like a survival exercise at that point but we all kept together and worked as a team and made it through. I look back at it now and see it as one of the best times of my life, a true adventure!"

The Air Cadets is the largest operating authority of the DEA and as said by Sergeant Booty, "The Squadron will continue to encourage cadets to complete all aspects of the award, it is a great achievement and is nationally recognised so will look excellent on the CV".

For more info on the DEA, click HERE.