H'Angus drops in on busy Hartlepool air cadets

Hartlepool United mascot H'Angus paid a flying visit to the town's Air Cadet Squadron.
HAngus tries his hand at the air cadets parade.HAngus tries his hand at the air cadets parade.
HAngus tries his hand at the air cadets parade.

The lovable monkey dropped in at the squadron’s Easington Road base as part of their ongoing programme of visits and activities focussing on healthy living and keeping up with participation in sports after leaving school.

“Having H’Angus come along to one of our regular drill nights provided a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to meet our local team’s mascot,” said civilian events co-ordinator Richard Shaw.

Cadets with members of the special operations unit.Cadets with members of the special operations unit.
Cadets with members of the special operations unit.
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“The visit not only highlighted the positive role our local football club plays in the community, but also helped us to promote the enjoyable and fun side of team sports to the cadets along with the social and fitness benefits.

“This also allowed us to help show support for the town’s own football club who, in turn, show their own support for the British Armed Forces through their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.”

H’Angus’ visit was the latest event in a busy period for the squadron, which also saw seven lucky cadets hosted by Cleveland & Durham Police Specialist Operations Unit at their Wynyard base.

After being given a guided tour of the facilities, the cadets were given practical demonstrations from the Police Dog Unit, Camera Enforcement Unit, Firearms Teams and the well known Police Interceptors (Traffic Enforcement Unit).

Cadets with members of the special operations unit.Cadets with members of the special operations unit.
Cadets with members of the special operations unit.
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They were able to meet and talk to the officers and civilian support staff, as well as get up close with the huge array of equipment the units have at their disposal.

It ranges from G36 semi-automatic rifles, Glock 17 pistols, Tazers, and Throwbot surveillance robot, to infra-red night vision speed enforcement cameras, Stinger spike strips and specialist dog tracking harnesses.

“This not only allowed the cadets a fantastic opportunity to see the many specialist roles available as career options within the police force, but the many areas and roles which encompass modern police work, which is tirelessly undertaken by the dedicated men and woman of our local police service, who carry out these tasks within our communities without exception 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year,” said Mr Shaw.

Hartlepool Air Cadets meet every Tuesday and Thursday between 6.30pm and 9.30pm and is open to anyone aged between 12 & 18. Visit hartlepoolaircadets.co.uk for further info or email [email protected]