ARMY and Air Cadets in Yeadon are on their way to getting a brand new, purpose-built centre following the demolition of their old building.

The Yeadon Detachment from C Company, Yorkshire (North and West) Army Cadet Force and 2168 (Yeadon) Squadron Air Cadets both shared the premises but had outgrown the 45-year-old building, which was never designed to house so many people.

The new brick-built centre will accommodate the existing 60 cadets from both detachments, while allowing for future increases in numbers.

It will feature a much larger drill hall, which will allow cadets to parade properly inside, plus additional classrooms and offices. It will also allow cadets to experience a much fuller range of activities and training, including a flight simulator, rooms for computer equipment and areas for project work.

Staff Instructor Mark Beresford, the Detachment Commander for Otley, who has also been looking after the Yeadon army cadets, said: "Having the new centre will be like a breath of fresh air for the cadets.

"Our training had always been constrained by what have become quite cramped conditions in the building, but now we’ll be able to enjoy the full range of training and exercises, which I know will make a massive difference to everyone."

Flight Lieutenant Shirley Tune, from the Yeadon squadron, added: “All our cadets are very excited to see the new building. It wasn’t easy to offer cadets the quality of training and facilities we aspire to while we were in the old building, but with this new purpose-built centre, it’ll mean we can provide a much better environment. We just can’t wait to get in there.”

The new centre is due for completion by the end of October and has been designed, procured and project managed by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’Association for Yorkshire and The Humber.