A Shropshire town is set to have its name go whizzing by at up to 1,000mph as part of an attempt to break the land speed record.

The 79 Whitchurch Air Cadets are the first squadron in the country to pledge their support to the challenge and will have their name printed on the fin on the supersonic car which is attempting to break the record.

The idea of supporting the record attempt, known as the Bloodhound SSC project, was put forward by cadet, Corporal Sam Ellis.

The squadron have since raised money in support of the event, which will take place in the Northern Cape of South Africa in the next couple of years.

The car will be piloted by Wing Commander Andy Green who is aiming to achieve the first 1,000mph record on land.

Corporal Ellis said: “I was in a lesson about propulsion and discussing how the thrust from jet engines give an aircraft its speed.

“It was mentioned that the Bloodhound SSC project involved building a car with a jet engine capable of doing 1,000mph. It sounded just incredible.”

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Patrick Collins, said: “Sam’s enthusiasm for this project has been infectious and it’s credit to him that the cadets have raised the sponsor money and the squadron name will be displayed on the fin of this phenomenal car.

“The project fits in well with the ethos of the air cadets, “venture adventure” and it raises many engineering challenges that will hopefully inspire cadets to take a closer interest in engineering and science.”

Corporal Ellis was sent a certificate of thanks for the squadron’s support for the project by the Bloodhound SSC team.

For more information about the Bloodhound SSC project visit the website.