A Thetford man is celebrating after being put in charge of the largest air cadet squadron in Norfolk and Suffolk.Sam Chapman-Allen, who has been involved in the Air Training Corps for the last 10 years, has been promoted to flight lieutenant and commanding officer of 863 (Thurston) Squadron, based near Bury St Edmunds.

A Thetford man is celebrating after being put in charge of the largest air cadet squadron in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Sam Chapman-Allen, who has been involved in the Air Training Corps for the last 10 years, has been promoted to flight lieutenant and commanding officer of 863 (Thurston) Squadron, based near Bury St Edmunds.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Campion Road, Thetford, jumped from pilot officer, skipping the rank of flying officer, to take the reigns.

Flt Lt Chapman-Allen, who served as a cadet in the Air Training Corps and was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) two years ago, has been acting commanding officer of the 70 cadets and 15 staff at 863 (Thurston) Squadron since September.