BASILDON’S Air and Army Cadets finally have a new purpose-built home.

The brand new Army and Air Cadet detachment in Cherrydown, in Basildon, was officially opened by Lord Lieutenant of Essex Lord Petre in front of councillors and cadets.

Detachment commander Paddy Keeble said: “There have been three halls on that site; the first one was used until 2000 when it burnt down, then a second Portakabin was set up on the site.

“This was in use until January when we started work on the new one.

“In terms of infrastructure the new hall is brilliant, it’s got top-of-the-range facilities so we can do a lot more now in terms of going through the cadets syllabus, it has IT equipment and just the sheer size of it is helpful.”

The groups, which had been sharing a space with the town’s Sea Cadet group, will now be able to carry out their drills and other activities during their twice-weekly meetings.

During the opening ceremony the cadets were inspected, there was a blessing and a time capsule was buried.

Sgt Keeble said: “It was a fantastic evening; we had a huge turnout and so many people were keen to get involved.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped and donated.”