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The team of 6 cadets and 3 staff completed part of the famous Chamonix to Zermatt route covering over 90km and ascending over 5400m in height.

For Cadet Warrant Officer James Smith from Monkseaton, this was to be his last trip with Tynemouth Squadron. "In September I'm off to University in London and will have to say goodbye to the Squadron. I've had a great 5 years with the air cadets and I've learned a lot. However, this trip has been the highlight of my time with the ATC."

The cadets crossed a region of the Swiss Alps, known as the Vallais, a region famous for high mountains and striking scenery. Over 70% of the region is covered in Glaciers and it has a vast collection of alpine flora and fauna.

The trip is the 9^th consecutive overseas expedition that cadets from Tynemouth Squadron have taken part in. This trip, sponsored by the Timberland Scholarship, was by far the most demanding.

Over the past 7 years, over 40 cadets have taken part in overseas expeditions with Tynemouth Squadron to the White Mountains on Crete, the French Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps.

"Our first overseas expedition took place in 2003 when we visited the home of ex-ATC Warrant Officer Ian Jackson." Flight Lieutenant Will Close-Ash, expedition leader remembers. "At that time, we were the first cadets to climb Mount Ginglos, at over 2000m, it was quite an achievement."

"We wanted to give every cadet a chance to take part in an overseas expedition, so each year, we run training weekends in the UK and cadets can build up the experience they need to go overseas, but we just didn't stop! Once we'd run one overseas trip, we knew we had to keep going."

Over the years, the young people from Tynemouth have been very lucky to be sponsored by a range of organisations including the Sir James Knott Trust, the RW Mann Trustees, RAFA and of course, Timberland UK. "Winning the Timberland Scholarship was an amazing opportunity for us. Timberland have given us the opportunity to step-up our trips and branch out. Each cadet also received Timberland Equipment which they were extremely pleased with."

After 4 trips to Crete, the Squadron decided to branch out and travel to the French Pyrenees. The challenge there was to climb the formidable Pic Du Canigou (2784m). "It was a new challenge for the cadets and we knew we could do it." Squadron Officer, Phil Kent told us. The team succeed in climbing the Pic on their first trip, but it was to be their second, failed attempt that would mark their finest hour.

Whilst approaching the mountain, on their second visit, they came across a group of stranded Belgian mountaineers. Two of the Belgians had fallen some 300 feet from the mountain and lay severely injured whilst a further 5 were stranded on a ridge several hundred feet up. James Smith was part of the team, "We spotted them two men lying in the snow and Flying Officer Emma Stewart and two cadets get to work on those guys, they were in a really bad way. The CO (Will) climbed onto the ridge and brought the remaining six men down to safety. It was an amazingly complex operation to watch, the Belgians were very lucky."

For their swift life saving actions, everyone involved received awards from the Order of St John.

In 2008, a team of cadets took part in the Squadron's first expedition to the Swiss Alps. The team trekked along the famous high level or Haute route. For Squadron Officer, Emma Stewart, from Wallsend, this was a great experience. "I'd always wanted to visit the Alps and after the rescue in the Pyrenees, I was hoping for something a little quieter."

The team completed the trek and paved the way for other teams from the Squadron to follow.

In 2009, the squadron put on two overseas expeditions, to the Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps. "We have a tried and tested formula which the cadets enjoy." Will told us. "These trips are affordable and within the reach of every cadet on the Squadron, irrespective of their background or experience. When times are times are difficult financially, I think it's important that our cadets have the chance to do something a bit different, but that won't break the bank."

"There are lots of exciting overseas expeditions all over the world to places like South America or New Zealand and although these are amazing trips, I'm afraid they are a bit costly. We'll continue to run trips that everyone can afford and which will give the young people from the Tynemouth area an experience to remember."