The 824 Naval Air Squadron celebrated their 90th anniversary at RNAS Culdrose on Friday.

The youngest member of the squadron was invited to step up cut a giant cake.

Eighteen-year-old air engineering technician Ryan Sharman received a round of applause from the assembled personnel in the squadron's hangar. 

Commanding officer Chris Jones said the squadron had a distinguished history with battle honours from the World War II through to the Falklands, and he highlighted the last 20 years of Merlin helicopter operations. 

"You should all feel really proud to be a part of this institution in the Fleet Air Arm," he said to the assembled men and women under his command.

The actual anniversary is on April 3, but the cake distribution was moved forward to avoid clashes with people off for Easter. 

824 Naval Air Squadron is the training unit for the Royal Navy's Merlin Mk2 aircrew and engineers.