PER Ardua Ad Astra - Through Hardship to the Stars - the motto of the Royal Air Force, could be the watchword of the 25th Newport Air Scouts.

The Air Scout troop is the only one in South Wales to have the official backing of the RAF.

"This is something that is granted only after a rigorous inspection" Scout leader David Pollard said 'We're delighted to have passed with flying colours."

As RAF Squdaron Leaders Bob Timothy and Chris Stubbs entered the 25th's Malpas headquarters, the 20 boys and girls, each one immaculate in their blue Air Scout uniforms and red caps, sprang to the 'alert'.

The officers were taken on a tour of the troop's activities, many of which are aviation-linked one of the projects in hand being a computer-driven flight simulator.

Squadron leader Mr Timothy added: "This means the 25th can wear a special RAF-approved badge, the only troop in South Wales entitled to do so. It is a real feather in their caps."

The Scout group's committee chairman Steve Richards said the Air Scouts had received backing from HYPE - Helping Young People Excel - and from Tesco at Spytty which had provided materials and labour for the HQ's revamp.

Group Scout Leader Mrs Gill Black who has been with the troop since 1976 said "The RAF recognition is a tremendous boost for us. I am very proud of the boys and girls."

Air Scouting was established as a branch of Scouting in 1942.

Although the Scouts are not part of the military cadet schemes, informal links are prized, nothing more so than the RAF roundel with the Scout badge in the middle which is the 25th's unique badge of pride.