AIR Cadets in Weston-super-Mare have received a £252 boost to pay for running costs of their minibus.

Developer Bellway South West, which is building new homes in Cheddar, handed the money to 290 (Weston-super-Mare) Squadron to go towards the running of their minibus for a year.

The minibus is used to take cadets to activities including flying, gliding, adventure training, visits to RAF stations and sporting venues.

However, because the vehicle is nearly 14 years old, it needs to be serviced frequently – every 12 weeks – and the cost adds up, said Warrant Officer David Mayhew.

“We, 290 Squadron, would like to thank the Bellway team for their generous donation, which will help us to keep our minibus on the road and continue to transport our cadets to a wide variety of activities around the Somerset area and beyond,” he added.

Rachel Way, Bellway South West senior sales manager, said: “Weston-super-Mare Air Cadets offer a great opportunity to young people to take part in a range of events and activities all around the area.

“So, it’s important that the group can maintains its minibus to ensure they can continue to access these activities.

“We were happy to contribute to their funds so that they can use the money to keep their transport safely on the road.

“This is part of our support for the local community in Somerset, as we deliver new homes for local people across the county.”

The 290 Squadron Air Training Corps is a member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and is aimed at 12 to 20-year-olds. The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm at the Cadet Centre in Shipham Close, Weston.