BURY'S first citizens found themselves have a high old time when they joined young army cadets on manoeuvres in Holcombe.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor John and Mrs Anne Costello, were treated to a ride in a Gazelle helicopter and enjoyed a bird's eye view of Holcombe Moor Army Camp when they accepted an invite to see members of the Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force during a training weekend.

The cadets of Number One (Minden) Company showed off their military knowledge and skills with displays of weapon training and combat tactics.

However, the highlight of the weekend was the attended of the Gazelle which gave flights to both the cadets and their honoured guests.

The young squaddies made the most of the Mayoral visit by inviting the couple to attend a brief ceremony where the Mayor presented four youngsters from Bury with awards earned under the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Bronze awards were presented to Cadet Michael Jordan and Lance Corporal Lauren Howarth, and silver awards went to Cadets Michael Crolla and Philip Stone.

Preparing for lift off: Bury's Mayor gets ready for the flight in the Gazelle while the Mayoress is given a quick flight briefing by Major Chris Wilde.

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