Cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron recently got the unique chance to lead the way for the season opener at Coventry speedway stadium.

A host of world-class speedway stars turned up at Coventry's season-opener at Brandon as one of the most famous individual meetings in speedway made its return. The Buildbase Bees revived the Brandonapolis meeting which was traditionally staged in the week following the World Final up until the mid-1980s.

A small number of cadets were invited to the meeting to help collect money for Help for Heroes and to help out during the opening parade.

Though the amount raised is currently unknown as it is an on going collection at the stadium, the cadets started off the evening by collecting near the entrance stalls and food vans. Despite the weather the evening had a very good turn out from fans visiting from around the world.

The evening was full of entertainment as the cadets watched the cheerleading squad and local break dancers, Kombat Breakers who were seen on Britain’s Got Talent.

Once the stadium was nearly full the cadets made their way to the track entrance to wait for the parade to start.

The cadets then marched onto the track in front of the bikes for the opening parade. After they had marched their way around the track flying the squadron’s banner the small squad posed with the full parade by the winner’s podium as the Coventry Bee’s got ready to for evenings race.

The cadets received an enormous round of applause and stadium ovation as they left the track and made their way to the stands. This was a massive surprise which the cadets were not expecting.

The Squadron Senior NCO Flight Sergeant Alan Tillman said "Despite the rain, puddles and muddy track, the Cadets performed brilliantly and were a credit to themselves and the Squadron. They presented themselves very well and the crowd appreciated the display. I want to thank Coventry Speedway for the opportunity and look forward to working with them in the future".