Nijmegen Qualifying 50 Mile March

International "Best Cadet Force" at the annual Nijmegen Marches for several years running, Somerset Army Cadets have notched up their fourth "Best Army Cadet" win after taking part in the Nijmegen Qualifying 50 Mile March at Royal Air Force Cosford over the weekend.

In 2007, having won the Cosford Award for three successive years, the cadets were presented with the Trophy to keep. Now, with a new trophy, they look set to repeat the exercise.

Over 50 cadets from Somerset took part, each coming away with a Medal and many with sore feet. Of the 50, some were too young to go to Nijmegen, where there is a minimum age limit, but took part anyway, including the two 13 year olds who won their "Colours" last year when they were only 12.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Richardson was at pains to explain that the Somerset cadets take part in order to qualify to go to Nijmegen. "We do not enter with a view of winning any Awards. The two-day March is a great team builder, and brings out the leadership potential in all those who take part. We are pleased to have qualified, and it is very heartwarming to have people who have nothing to do with our Somerset Army Cadets to realise the hard work that is put into Cosford, by presenting us with this Award".

Somerset Army Cadet Force entered four Teams in the Cosford event, and in addition to being awarded the "Best Army Cadet Force" Trophy, one of the other Teams was placed Runner-Up!

Somerset Commandant, Colonel Robbie Guest, praised the Cadets taking part, and was equally proud of the Support Team members, Team Leaders and Trainers - Sergeant Major Mac Cox having now done the event for all of the six years that Somerset has been involved.