A MEMORIAL plaque in tribute to three air cadets who died in a helicopter tragedy 16 years ago was dedicated during Bury’s annual Battle of Britain Parade and Service at the weekend.

The plaque, located in the grounds of Bury Parish Church, replaces a memorial bench which had frequently been vandalised since it was unveiled at the same site 12 years ago.

Sunday’s poignant dedication was attended by air cadets and officers from the 1036 Bury Squadron ATC, RAF veterans, representatives from the Royal British Legion and Wing Commander David Forbes.

The new memorial plaque commemorates squadron members Amanda Whitehead (17), and 16-year-old Mark Oakden, both from Bury, who died when a Wessex helicopter in which they were travelling plunged into a lake near Llanberis, North Wales, in 1993. Cadet Christopher Bailey (15), from Horwich, also died The teenagers had been attending an air experience summer camp at RAF Valley in Anglesey when the crash happened.

Commenting on Sunday’s dedication, 1036 Bury Squadron honorary secretary Gail Norris said: “It was a very moving ceremony. The new memorial replaces the bench which has been vandalised quite a few times. We had it repaired on several occasions, but it now beyond repair. Such vandalism was upsetting for everyone, especially for the parents of those who died.

“Because the new memorial plaque is on the ground, we are hoping that it will be left alone.”

Around 80 cadets, RAF veterans and Royal British Legion representatives comprised the Battle of Britain parade which fell in at Bury Town Hall before marching to Bury Parish Church for a memorial service.

Later, following the new memorial dedication and the laying of wreaths, the parade fell in on The Rock. There was a march past the podium into Bolton Street. The salute was taken by Wing Commander David Forbes who was one of a number of dignitaries attending the event.