SUCCESS appears to be a common trait for one Northwich family after a son followed in the footsteps of his father in earning a prestigious award.

Cadet sergeant Alex Ward, of Northwich 146 Air Cadet Squadron, was recently awarded a Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award exactly 30 years after his father earned his.

Richard Ward was also a member of the Air Cadets based in Northwich, and he completed his progression up to Gold Award in 1990.

The DofE Award is available for people aged between 14 and 24, with entrants working their way through three progressive levels - bronze, silver and gold.

There are four sections each to complete at bronze and silver level and five at gold, which involve tasks such as helping the community or environment; planning, training for and completing an expedition, and for Gold Award, working with a team on a residential activity.

The tasks also help participants to become fitter and develop new skills.

Alex completed his Gold award by volunteering as a senior cadet non-commissioned officer and leading younger cadets.

He also completed weekly fitness sessions for his physical section, learned to play the side drum as his skill element, undertook a residential week with North Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets marching band and endured a gruelling four-day expedition in some very wet weather in Snowdonia.

Flight lieutenant Jos Twose and her husband, squadron leader Paul, officer commanding of 146 Squadron, started running the DofE with the squadron in 1987.

Since then, flight lieutenant Tim Lloyd, now commanding officer of Crewe Air Cadets, and flying officer Sarah Ross, have continued their hard work.

The total number of Gold DofE awards achieved by Northwich squadron members currently sits at 251.

Flying officer Ross said: “Completing a Gold DofE Award is a huge undertaking, both in time, commitment and effort.

“I am immensely proud of Alex for his achievement, and also of our squadron's long history with the award scheme.

“This started in 1987 and has seen hundreds of young people from Northwich completing awards with the squadron.”