An organisation that helps hundreds of young people learn new skills and foster the spirit of adventure it is encouraging local people to beat the Christmas rush by helping them raise £5,000.

1064 (Honiton) Sqn RAF Cadets, which has operated in the South Devon market town for over 80 years, has launched its largest ever auction, that ends on the 30 October, in a bid to help it raise much-needed cash to help send individuals on expeditions.

Although the RAF sponsors the Air Cadets and provides the money for uniforms, premises, flying and other activities, there is a growing need to generate extra revenue so that 11- to 18-year-olds can enjoy the full cadet life that is all about challenge and adventure, including air experience flights and pilot training.

People wishing to take part in the competition can bid on anything from a penny-farthing training course by a Guinness World Record-holder and a rare Status-Quo t-shirt to a flight experience in a De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk.

"We offer a vital avenue of adventure for so many young adults within the local community, our motto being 'Venture Adventure'," commented Flight Lieutenant Justin Felice, the squadron's commanding officer. 

"If you're a fan of aviation, action and adventure, love sports and getting to know people, then there is no better place to be than the RAF Air Cadets. However, without the support from donations, and activities such as this auction, we wouldn't have the funding we need to make additional adventures possible.

"Whilst I understand that it's a tough economic climate, every bit really does help and hopefully we can give a few lucky bidders the opportunity to get their hands on unique Christmas presents before the mad rush starts."

Summary of prizes available in the Honiton RAF Air Cadets Auction, include:

·     5 different 20-minute experience flights in a De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk (donated by Sky Blue Aero Services)

·     Penny-farthing rider training course for two, followed by a scenic tour of London with three-time Guinness World Record holder Neil Laughton

·     A John Goghlan t-shirt from Status Quo

·     30-minute flight in an Ikarus C42 aircraft (donated by Somerset Microlights)

Click HERE for a full list of prizes and to place your bid.

To find out more about the Honiton RAF Cadets, please contact [email protected].