A SQUADRON of air cadets has been ranked among the top six in the country.

The 1407 Squadron, Air Training Corps, based in Newton Aycliffe, will go on to compete for the national honours.

If successful, the 36 teenagers will be awarded the Lees Trophy.

The trophy is awarded to the best of the UK's 1,098 squadrons.

Civilian instructor Malcolm Lakey said: "It's a superb effort to get this far and we are all absolutely thrilled.

"We will be putting in some extra work but we still try to keep a sense of balance with the fun side of things.

For more information about the Newton Aycliffe squadron, contact (01325) 320870.