AIR cadets from Highworth are celebrating after raising a large amount of money for charity over the Christmas period.

A total of 21 cadets, alongside seven members of staff, packed shopping bags in Asda Walmart at Swindon Orbital Shopping Park.

The group raised just under £1,070, which will be split between the 878 Highworth Squadron and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Cpl Livia Foulds, 16, said: “It was good to interact with public at this time of year, with it all being about goodwill.”

“We has to pack a range of items, including two sets of lingerie and lots of alcohol!” added Cdt Tom Mobley, 15.

The squadron also handed out over 20 boxes of food items to a Swindon foodbank as part of the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ scheme.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s welfare charity which provides financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependants.