A HAMPSHIRE cadet group has been given its final marching orders from the school base it has used for more than 35 years.

Members of the Air Training Corps' 2428 Hedge End Squadron have had their wings clipped by Wildern School chiefs looking to redevelop facilities at the site.

The squadron, which currently provides flying experience and adventure activities to 41 13- to 21-year-olds, has been based at the Wildern Lane campus since its inception in 1965.

But now Hampshire County Council has decided not to renew the lease for the ATC hut when it runs out at the end of March.

In order to meet the deadline for vacant possession, the group has been forced to take flight today so that work can start on taking the building down.

And, until the green light is given for a new headquarters at Grange Park caravan park, the squadron has been force to touch down in a temporary home as of next week.

Squadron commander Flight Lieutenant Anton Smith is disappointed at the lack of help offered by the school itself and its education chiefs.

Flt-Lieut Smith, 47, said: "From what I have gleaned, our building is purely to be removed for landscaping. We find that quite disturbing. It would have been nice to have had more consultation.

"If Hedge End town council had not come up with this available building we would have nowhere else to go until our new building was constructed.

"And that is still depending on the residents' nod. If they give us the thumbs down we will be back to square one."

In the meantime the squadron will be meeting at the Turnpike Pavilion on Monday and Wednesday nights.

A spokesperson for both the school and the county education authority was unavailable for comment.