A NEW Honorary Regional Chaplain has been appointed for the North Region Air Cadets.

The Rev Fred Cooke has taken up the role following the retirement of the Rev Norman Botham.

At the North Regional Council meeting, held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Mr Botham was presented with a retirement gift and formally relinquished his post.

He has had a long and distinguished association with the Air Cadet Organisation, having been the Wing Chaplain of South And West Yorkshire Wing, before his appointment to the regional post.

Mr Botham still retains the chaplain's post of 2008 (Bawtry) Squadron and continues to be a valued and active supporter of the Air Training Corps.

"It kind of gets into your blood being involved with these outstanding young men and women," he said. "I have been very privileged to have seen so many of them go on to do great things with their lives and to know I had some part to play."

The North Region Commandant, Group Captain Bill Gambold, presented Mr Botham with an engraved carriage clock and paid tribute to him, saying: "Norman has been a keen and enthusiastic supporter of our organisation for many years and we are truly saddened to see him retire. The spiritual welfare of the cadets is something very important and along with all our other honorary chaplains he has made a significant contribution."

Mr Cooke, previously the Wing Chaplain for East Lancashire Wing, said: "Norman is a tough act to follow. His dedication and commitment to the Air Cadets is reflected in all the good work he has done and the tributes paid to him by his many friends."

North Region Air Cadets covers the whole of the north of England, from the Humber to the Mersey and up to the Scottish Border.

The Air Cadet Organisation offers a host of opportunities to local youngsters aged 13 and over.

To find out more about the Air Cadets visit the website at www.northregion-atc.co.uk and look for the links to your local wing.

Updated: 08:56 Wednesday, May 28, 2003