A TEENAGER has become the youngest weapons instructor in Huddersfield Air Training Corps.
Flight Sgt Dave Lawford, 18, of the ATC's 59 Squadron, is now qualified to take teenage cadets through `dry' training with unloaded weapons.
He can conduct weapon-handling tests and supervise cadets on the firing range.
Mr Gerald Smith, the civilian instructor in charge of shooting at the squadron, said: "Dave's success speaks for itself. He has been an enthusiastic and dedicated student of the sport for many years.
"I am glad he's reached the stage where he can share his experience with other cadets."
Dave, an electrician from Meltham, recently gained his Silver Wings as a glider pilot after an intensive week-long course.
He hopes to be able to take the advanced gliding course later in the year.
He said: "It has been a great year for me so far. As well as gliding and the weapons qualifications, I became a staff cadet and gained my Millennium Volunteer and canoeing one and two-star awards.
"I was even selected to play football for the wing, representing South and West Yorkshire. I did not think I would achieve so much in less than six months."
The squadron is always on the lookout for new recruits. Visit www.59atc.org.uk or call 01484 535779 on Mondays or Fridays between 8pm and 9pm.
