ARMY and Air Cadets have been celebrating the opening of their new centre in Yeadon after the demolition of the old building.

Cadets from Yorkshire (N&W) ACF, based in Yeadon, joined with their counterparts from 2168 (Yeadon) Squadron ATC to mark the opening of the combined centre, close to Leeds Bradford Airport.

The centre will provide accommodation for both cadet units, featuring lecture rooms, indoor and outdoor drill facilities, as well as grounds for the various adventure training and expedition activities.

The centre was officially opened by Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, who said he was delighted to see so many cadets present.

A number of activities were demonstrated throughout the afternoon, with the ATC band performing a selection of popular tunes.

Detachment commander, Staff Sergeant Martin Hewitt, said: "It is a marvellous facility and I am looking forward to filling this building again with cadets from Yeadon and the surrounding areas, providing progressive training of a challenging yet exciting nature, fostering confidence, self-reliance and initiative.

"The detachment is the county’s Adventure Training hub, and will provide hundreds of cadets the opportunity to take part in challenging walks and bike rides in the surrounding area.”

His opposite number in the ATC, squadron commander Flt Lt Shirley Tune, echoed his words whilst paying tribute to the Reserve Forces and Cadet Association of Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA) for providing the joint cadet facility.