Air cadets in Alsager now have access to state-of-the-art flight simulation equipment to help them fly high in their careers.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE, officially opened the Tempest room at 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Air Training Corps yesterday (Saturday).

And her husband, Hollyoaks and Brookside creator, Sir Phil Redmond, tried out the equipment for himself and had a go at flying and landing an aircraft.

Sir Phil Redmond at the controls in Alsager

He said: "It's a lot harder than in looks. It's a fantastic bit of kit which brings a real sense of realism to learning to fly."

Lady Redmond told cadets and other dignitaries gathered for the event in Moorhouse Avenue: "It gives me great pleasure to open this room.

"It's one little cut of a ribbon but a huge opportunity for these cadets here in Alsager."

Alsager RBL President, Capt Peter Morris, Padre Beverlie Boulton, Lady Redmond, Flt Lt Chris Hearnshaw and?Wing Commander Archibald

She chatted with cadets and other members of the organisation at 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Air Training Corps.

Wing Commander David Archibald who looks after the Great Manchester area for the air cadets said the new room will open opportunities.

"It's massively important to keep the interest of cadets and this will help enormously. It's a great addition to the work here."

The Alsager community has been involved in raising money to buy the two simulators.

The room they are housed in is called the Tempest Room as it's the name of the new RAF fighter jet being developed to replace the Typhoon. 

A spokesperson for 2493 (Alsager) Squadron Air Training Corps said: "It will bring new ideas, technology and piloting advancement in VR and cockpit environment.

"All the things that we feel and hope our new room will bring to our cadets - the next generation. Thank you to everyone who made it all happen."