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The cadets took to the sky in an RAF Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter of 202 Squadron.

For cadet sergeant Kirsty McVay 17, from Tynemouth, it was dream come true. "I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter, it was the most amazing experience I've ever had. When I finish my A levels, I'd like to be an aero-medic in the RAF, so this was great experience."

 Kirsty was one of six cadets who were involved in rescuing seven stricken Belgian walkers in the Pyrenees in May. Two of the walkers fell 300 feet down the side of a mountain, severely injuring themselves. The team of cadets kept two of the casualties alive for three hours under very cold conditions until the French mountain rescue team arrived.

The flying experience was arranged by Squadron Leader Alistair Jackson, an ex-346 cadet. "The station commander at RAF Boulmer heard about the rescue these cadets had been involved in and was very impressed. The flight is a big 'well done' from RAF Boulmer."

Cadet Sergeant Dominic Jones, recently awarded a young life saver of the year award by St John's Ambulance for his part in the rescue, also took part in the flight. Dominic, a student at St Thomas More High School, North Shields told us about the flight. "We got suited up and put our flying gear on. The flight took across Northumberland. The best bit was flying with the side door open looking over Alnwick castle."