Award for Newhaven cadet

A NEWHAVEN air cadet will receive the Duke of Edinburgh s gold award in the presence of Prince Philip next month.

A NEWHAVEN air cadet will receive the Duke of Edinburgh s gold award in the presence of Prince Philip next month.

Adam Kearley, 19, of Valley Road, achieved the award through the 1218 (Newhaven) Squadron Air Training Corps.

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He said: There were many memorable events during the award but I think the most exciting were my solo glider flight and expedition.

The four-day expedition, which was held in scorching summer temperatures in the Peak District, put the skills Adam had already learned in his Bronze and Silver D of E awards to the ultimate test.

He said: The temperature each day rose to around 35C which made walking difficult under the 60lb pack each of us carried. But the determination of the team to continue was overwhelming and we succeeded.

Adam also took the controls of a 40,000 glider. The most breathtaking experience has got to be my first solo flight in a glider. On a 10-day course at RAF Hullavington I trained on the Viking T Mark 1 Glider and was able to take to the skies on my own.

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It is an incredible feeling to be in complete control of the aircraft and to know that the instructors had the confidence in me to look after the aircraft and fly it safely. It was an experience I shall never forget.

Adam will receive his award at St James s Palace, London, on November 27.

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