Flight Lieutenant J C P Downie, Officer Commanding 327 (Kilmarnock) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC) said farewell to Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Peter Eardley, (20) when he left the Squadron at the end of his seven years as a cadet. Peter was presented with a Corgi model of a Wessex Search and Rescue Helicopter.

Peter originally joined the ATC in 2005, age 13 when he stayed in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and transferred from his local Squadron, 1401 (Alfreton and Ripley) Squadron to 327 (Kilmarnock) Squadron when his family moved to Cumnock.

Peter was a corporal when he joined Kilmarnock Squadron in 2009 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2010, Flight Sergeant in 2011 then to the highest rank for a cadet - Cadet Warrant Officer, in early 2012.

During his time in the ATC, Peter took part in Gliding, Air Experience Flying and achieved a BTEC certificate in Aviation Studies and a Young Life Savers Certificate. He also completed an Instructor Cadet Training Course.

Peter says the highlight for him was completing his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and undertaking his Silver Award expedition.

Peter has attended Kilmarnock College then Ayr College where he studied an HND in Aeronautical Engineering. He now wants to study Aeronautical Engineering at Salford University and his dream job would be in Aeronautical Design.

When we asked Peter what he had gained from being a cadet he said " The Air Training Corps really helped to boost my confidence and helped me come out of my shell. It has positively contributed to who I am."