Air cadets will be travelling across Suffolk and beyond after we helped them secure a new minibus.

Members of 301 Squadron (Bury St Edmunds) RAFAC have spent more than a year raising funds to get them on the road and were finally able to reach their goal thanks to a donation from the five-star Suffolk region.

They were awarded £3,000 from our Community Champions fund, designed to create a positive legacy in the areas in which we build.

With the new minibus on order,  the group is planning ahead for 2026 with flying trips, adventurous activities and community work all on the agenda. They are also planning to continue with their Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and run expeditions in the Peak District and Chilterns.

Flight Lieutenant Jason Baxter, Squadron Commander, said:

“Thank you to Persimmon Homes for this donation, which rounds off months of hard work by our cadets.

“Having our own form of transport opens up so many more opportunities to the young people within the squadron, allowing them to experience adventurous activities and grow their range of skills.”

Stacy Brett, Deputy Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said:

“It is an honour to be able to help the cadets from 301 Squadron to complete their fundraising efforts and hit the road with their new minibus.

“At Persimmon we want to work with groups like the RAFAC to build stronger communities across Suffolk.”