AIR Cadets have taken to the skies over RAF Topcliffe for the first time in nearly three years.

The youngsters were put through their paces in a Grob Vigilant.

In April 2014 the decision was made to pause all Air Cadet gliding throughout the organisation by ensuring the air worthiness of the fleet.

Since then work has been ongoing in the background to get the fleet back in the air and the squadron has been under the guidance of No2 flying training school (2FTS) of the Royal Air Force.

The first cadet to take to the skies this month was FS Dan Griffin who was able to put his ground training into practice, learning to fly the Grob Vigilant for the first time.

He was joined by Flying Officer Jordan Cameron who said: "It was my honour to fly the first Cadet, FS Dan Griffin.

“The second most satisfying feeling after flying solo, is imparting knowledge and teaching others.

“It goes without saying that the 30 minute flight was as much a joy for me, as it was for Dan.

“It marks the re-birth of many more air experience flights from RAF Topcliffe, with Air Cadets from across the UK.”