Air cadets in Cumbria will be deployed on an educational trip to Normandy next year.

Two squdrons – 1030 Whitehaven and 2192 Appelby Grammar School – are taking 12 cadets from each to visit the beaches, battle sites, and cemeteries to pay their respects to the men and women who fought and died there on what will be the 80th anniversary.

“This is more than just a get on a bus, have a look around, and return home trip,” said Phillip Barnard, who is helping to organise the trip.

He added: “Groups of cadets will be split down into small groups, with each group focussing their on a particular site.

“They will then learn about that area in detail before preparing and giving a presentation on their site to the full group.

“They will detail what happened there, what their thoughts are and what they and wider society can learn from it.

“Where possible, we will be looking at local links to each site and how the events have affected our area back in Cumbria.

“Once we return the groups will also be presenting their findings and thoughts to local groups.

“As part of the preparations for this trip, the cadets will also be spending a day at Carlisle Castle with the Border Regiment where they will get to experience the uniform and weapons of the WWII era and look into the history of the regiment.

“A busy time for our cadet, they are also currently fundraising to cover the costs of the trip, events planned include a duck race and a sponsored walk, with other ideas in the pipeline.”