DROITWICH Air Cadets have launched a campaign to raise funds for a new minibus.

The town squadron of the Air Training Corps, which was formed in 1971, is struggling to keep its existing vehicle on the road due to the high maintenance costs. The squadron’s civilian committee, chaired by Lisa Handley, wants to raise £10,000 to pay for a refurbished vehicle.

The unit is now organising a number of events to help reach that target.

Dave Jepson, welfare chairman of Droitwich Lions Club, heard about the cadets’ efforts and the group has now pledged to contribute to the fund.

Paul Wilde, the officer commanding the Droitwich squadron, said: “We have a very healthy membership of more than 35 young people drawn from the Droitwich and Bromsgrove areas and our minibus is vital in getting members to functions, camps and other activities.

“We appreciate the interest which Droitwich Lions has taken in us and hope that this will encourage other organisations to support us.”

The air cadet group can be contacted by e-mail at 2516@aircadets.org.