PEMBROKESHIRE cadets were honoured at an event in Cardiff to mark the RAF's 100th anniversary this week.

The members of 948 (Haverfordwest and City of St Davids) Squadron joined the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, the Llywydd (speaker) of the assembly, Elin Jones and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier at the Senedd for a reception in honour of the RAF's 100th birthday.

The cadets were winners of the Wales Air Aces competition which saw 2,000 cadets from across Wales study Welsh flyers of the First World War and prepare presentations on them.

Two members of the squadron talked about the history of the First World War seaplane base at Fishguard which, although founded as a naval flying station, became RAF Fishguard on April 1, 1918: the day the RAF was created.

Cadet William Letten said: “It was great to be able to tell people like the Chief of the Air Staff about our research. It was really exciting when we found out that we'd won."

William, 13, who is a pupil at Castle School, Narberth, added: "I like being able to do projects like this in the Air Cadets as well as flying, adventure training and things like that."

He was joined by Cadet Sergeant Rhoswyn Lewis, 17.

The Ysgol Preseli pupil said: "It's important to get the message to younger people about what happened in the war and that's why we're here today to commemorate that.

"Not many people knew about Fishguard flying boat base, so it's been good to tell them about it."

Sir Stephen Hillier paid tribute to the strong relationship between Wales and the RAF: "It was a Welshman, David Lloyd George who provided the vision and strong political leadership needed to secure the formation of the world's first independent air force. “

The squadron parades on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Dalton VC Centre Haverfordwest and anyone wishing to join them should contact 01437 767030.