AN AIR Training Squadron has been given the freedom of Ulverston so it has the right to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year with a full-blown ceremonial march through the town.

The mayor of Ulverston, Cllr Helen Irving, handed over the freedom of the town to 2223 (Ulverston) Squadron Air Training Corp during a ceremony on Saturday at the refurbished war memorial.

She told a crowd of almost 100 people gathered around the memorial in Market Street that the town was immensely proud of its air cadets and wished them well for their 75th anniversary in 2016.

She said afterwards: “It was a splendid turnout for the presentation and I was very impressed by the young people who make up the ranks of the Air Training Corp.

"I know some of them personally, so I hear first-hand about the wonderful experiences they have as part of the cadet force.”

Ulverston Town Council clerk Jayne Kendall said the council was 'delighted' to grant the freedom of the town to the cadets.

“Bestowing the freedom of the town to a regiment is an historic ceremonial award with a proud tradition.

"Importantly, it enables a regiment to march through the town on ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying, so we hope to see a magnificent display next year when the cadets celebrate their anniversary.”

Ulverston Town Council last awarded the freedom of the town to Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in 2011.

Ulverston Town Band led the parade of more than 50 cadets from Ulverston, Windermere and Kendal through the town to the war memorial where they were inspected by the mayor and the High Sheriff of Cumbria Sam Rayner, the managing director of Lakeland Limited, before the formal presentation to Wing Squadron Leader Ray Browne and commander of 2223 Flight Lieutenant Elizabeth Parker.