YOUNG cadets have won a surprise funding boost.

Members of the 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Air Training Corps had written to 3M Aycliffe asking for a small prize for a raffle. Instead, the company presented them with a cheque for £250.

The site's community relations co-ordinator, Mike Simpson, said: "The ATC is a voluntary organisation which offers a great deal for young people. So when we got the request for a prize, we thought we could do better than that. We hope the money comes in useful."

The corps, first established 15 years ago, has a membership of 29 boys and nine girls.

Its activities range from flying gliders and rifle-shooting to service in the community.

"We were thrilled with the surprise," said Heather Bage, secretary of the corps' civil committee. "Our members work hard at fundraising and this is a big help to us."

3M Aycliffe - part of the US global technology company - makes products to protect respiraiton and the environment at its Heighington Lane site.