AN Ilkley-based squadron of the Air Training Corps faces a race against time to raise its banner at Ilkley Carnival.

The 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron is waiting for a new banner following an unfortunate incident at the cleaners.

The Squadron banner is carried at public parades attended by the Squadron and cadets consider it an honour to be selected for the banner party.

Following the parades on Remembrance Sunday, the banner was found to be in need of cleaning and was taken to Smiths cleaners in South Hawksworth Street.

Squadron members were horrified when they went back to collect it. The colours had run and some sections had shrunk.

Following lengthy discussions with the parent company, Johnsons Cleaners, an offer of £100 and a £5 voucher for future use with the company was accepted.

The company said it had taken every care with the banner and that all the normal cleaning processes had been used.

Although the Squadron was far from happy with the outcome, the cheque has been banked and a new banner ordered from the Cadet Supply department in London at a cost of £225.

The Squadron's civilian committee met this week to discuss the situation. A spokesman said: "We now need to go fundraising for the new banner and hope we have it to lead the Squadron in the Ilkley Carnival parade on May 4."

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