ALCESTER cadets are one step closer to an informative trip - thanks to a generous £500 donation from a voluntary organisation.

Alcester & Stratford District Round Table, which offers new experiences and opportunities to young men aged 18 to 45, boosted funds in support of the 17 cadets and five staff who will be attending an excursion to Berlin held in April next year.

The cadets will be visiting battlefields, graves and participating in a Last Post ceremony held every evening at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The service is usually watched by around one thousand spectators.

Richard Handy, Alcester & Stratford District Round Table chairman, said: “When we heard the Cadet Force were planning this visit, we were really keen to help. Like most towns, Alcester lost many men during the First World War and the battlefields trip will give the cadets a real appreciation of how the war affected this country and its people.”

Alcester Army Cadet Force, which is open to anyone aged 12 to 18, meet between 7.30 and 9.30pm on Mondays and Thursday in the Greig Memorial Hall.

New members and adult instructors are welcome.

The cadets still need of further contributions towards the £7,000 trip. To donate contact Julie Cook on 01386 421272.

For more information visit www.alcester.roundtable.co.uk, www.facebook.com/AlcesterRoundTable or visit armycadets.com.