PUPILS at Royton and Crompton School are becoming accustomed to seeing Services personnel visiting on a regular basis.
And there will be more appearances going forward as the school’s Combined Cadet Force continues to flourish.
Last October, Colonel Phil Harrison, Army Regional Commander (NW), attended to witness the Blackshaw Lane School signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Most recently, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Edwards RA, Commanding Officer 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery, was one of the VIP guests for the the first official 1st flag raising parade of the school’s CCF detachment.
He was joined by Captain Norman Mustard, the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Shadab Qumer, and Colour Sergeant Andy Boswell, Senior Staff instructor at Royton and Crompton.
“The cadets (our pupils) were very nervous but they did a fantastic job,” said a School spokesperson.
The new Combined Cadet Force is as part of the Government’s Cadet Expansion Programme.
Launched in June 2012, with the aim to deliver 100 new cadet units in English state-funded schools, has since been expanded as the Government attempts to grow the number of cadet units in schools to 500 by 2020.