Grant funding of £785 has been provided to the 366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron, Air Training Corps at Bailey Barracks in Sheffield.

The funding, provided by the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings from his community grant scheme is to part fund equipment that will allow young people to participate in indoor and outdoor climbing.

The Commissioner met with squadron leaders and young air cadets on a visit to their barracks in May.  He heard about how offering young people in the areas of Lowedges, Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Gleadless the opportunity to get involved in these activities, will help to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

He said: “I had a very interesting visit to the barracks and met with some remarkable young people who are part of the Air Training Corps.  I heard about their history and recent successes and was heartened to hear about the great experience and opportunities offered to young people signing up to the cadets.

“The funding was for £785, which shows how a relatively small amount of cash can make a real difference to what young people can have access to.  This region has so much to offer with the national park and climbing will give young people an added skill as well as confidence to live purposefully.”

The funding will provide young people from the South West Sheffield area to join in the climbing activities that will include following the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme.

Simon Tredinnick, the civilian outdoor pursuits instructor said: “There was no provision to take young people climbing in the local area.  Climbing encourages empowerment of young people, enabling them to become fitter, increase their confidence, self-reliance and independence.

“Participants will learn to help others, work as a team and be able to share these skills within their community.  The funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner has provided us with a range of climbing equipment including, ropes, hoists, helmets and shoes of all sizes.

“We will be running regular session both at Awesome Walls here in Sheffield and out in the Peak District soon.  Thank you to the Police and Crime Commissioner for this generous contribution”.

Members of the Air Training Corps will be visiting local schools to recruit young climbers, but should anyone require any further information you can visit their Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/366KingEcgberts/