AIR Cadets gained their water wings in an exhilarating weekend with Sea Cadets learning how to operate powerboats and sailing dinghies.

Air Cadets from 861 (Wideopen) Squadron and 111 (Sunderland) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets visited the Sea Cadet Corps boat station at Derwenthaugh, in Gateshead.

The new boat station has dedicated accommodation and facilities specifically built to support the delivery of training and courses for young people.

Cadet Matthew Eggleston, 15 of Ponteland, said: “It was brilliant fun and I really enjoyed helming the powerboats up to Newcastle Quayside and back again to the boat station."

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant James Elliott, said: “I would like to extend our thanks to our colleagues in the Sea Cadet Corps for this fantastic activity.

“This is the second weekend that we have run out of the Derwenthaugh boat station and the quality of the training is extremely high as are the facilities.

“I look forward to seeing more Air Cadets getting involved in waterborne activities in the future with the support of the Sea Cadets.”

861 (Wideopen) Squadron is open to all young people aged 12 (and in Year 8) to 17-years- old – cadets can stay post aged 18 to serve until their 20th birthday.

For more information visit www.861sqn.org.