CADETS in Galashiels are flying high again following the unveiling of a new flag.

The squadron's previous banner suffered a washing disaster earlier this year.

The historic flag was being professionally cleaned ahead of the 75th anniversary Air Training Corps Parade in Edinburgh.

But the colours ran during the cleaning process, destroying the £900 banner.

The 2180 (Galashiels) Squadron approached local fashion technologist, Lella Cherrie from Selkirk, to see if a new banner could be made.

Sqn Commander Frank Wielbo told us: “We could have bought a new banner commercially but they are probably mass produced in some far off land.

"The idea of engaging with a local expert to produce a new banner locally really appealed to us so we approached Lella at Tartanish, which is located at the Tweedbank Craft Centre."

Working with fourth-year textiles student Lois Donohoe, who hails from Swindon, Lella researched the colours, material and text styles to replicate the original banner.

Frank added: "Looking at many images of Air Cadet banners it became clear that the text, colours and assembly process used in creating the original Squadron banner differed markedly from the norm.

"The result of the work done by Lella and Lois is that the Squadron now have a banner which matches the officially recognised colours and style of Air Cadet banners across the UK. Very kindly Lella provided the Squadron with washing instructions for their new banner."