Nearly 100 air cadets from across the world have arrived in the UK to start a two week International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) programme.

The teenage cadets, who have travelled from as far as Ghana, Australia and New Zealand have joined colleagues from France, the Netherlands and nine other countries for a full programme of aviation and other activities.

The cadets started their visit to the UK with a VIP pass to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a photo opportunity outside 10 Downing Street and an evening cruise on the River Thames.

Over the course of their two week stay the cadets, aged 16-20, will be split into three groups to tour various areas of the UK. Along the way they will visit a range of museums, fly with the Royal Air Force and Air Cadet Organisation and visit various Air Training Corps squadrons. One highlight of the visit will be a formal dinner in the prestigious College Hall Officers’ Mess at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire.

A number of air cadets will help host the visiting cadets throughout their stay.

Instructor Cadet, Flight Sergeant Kate Joinson, a member of 1378 (Mold) Squadron, felt that hosting the cadets on the IACE was an opportunity that she couldn’t turn down. She said: “I volunteered to help out with the event as it is a great way of meeting people from all over the world. I’ve always been keen on going on the IACE myself and I think seeing how cadets adapt to our country will help me decide where I would like to go if I was offered a place in the future.

As part of the exchange the UK has sent a number of cadets from British squadrons to take part in the 2010 event.