TWO air cadet trainers who have notched up more than 90 years’ service between them have clinched Mayor’s Awards for their efforts.

Warrant officers David Bowman and David Baird received the awards from Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.

The award is in recognition of their work with the 1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC) over a combined total of more than nine decades.

Warrant officer David Bowman joined the squadron in 1959, enrolling as a civilian instructor after six years’ of cadet service. The 68-year-old was appointed warrant officer in 1979 and continues in the role today.

He has been awarded a Cadet Forces Medal for long service, and his current position sees him looking after the day-to-day running of the Squadron, organising cadet camps, training weekends and flying opportunities.

Warrant Officer David Baird joined the Squadron in 1971 and completed his cadet service as a Cadet Warrant Officer at the age of 22.

After 18 months’ service as a Civilian Instructor David went back into uniform as a Warrant Officer and continues to serve in this role to this day.

His main interests are teaching drill and adventure training and he has been awarded a commendation by the Commandant Air Cadets in 2003 and a Cadet Forces medal for long service.

He is currently the Training Officer for 1869 Squadron, where he manages a team of civilian instructors and adult uniformed staff in delivering a varied and interesting training programme for the cadets.

Mr Mallon said: “The Air Training Corps has played an important role in the lives of a considerable number of young people over many years.

“That would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and commitment of people like Warrant Officers David Bowman and David Baird.

“They have made an important contribution to the life of the town, and are thoroughly deserving recipients of these Mayor’s Awards.”

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