Promotion takes young cadet to highest rank

Christopher Barron, 18, from Market Weighton, has been promoted to Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major in the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force.

He now helps to train and look after more than 1,700 cadets from across the region at the force's 52 detachments, and headquarters at Driffield.

Cadet RSM Barron received his promotion from the Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire, the Honourable Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister.

He said: "I am delighted to have been promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major in the largest cadet force in the UK.

"One of my main roles is to assist in the organisation of training for young people in many different subjects and activities that give cadets the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications that are very useful when you go for a job or higher education.

"Not all the subjects are military, I have qualified in first aid at work, achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and a distinction plus in BTEC first diploma in public services, equivalent to four additional GCSEs at A grade, all whilst having a great deal of fun undertaking challenging activities, gaining self-confidence and becoming a good citizen."

He added: "In February, I also had the very great honour of meeting Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, having been selected to represent the Army Cadet Force at the launch event of the cadet forces' 150th anniversary celebrations at Buckingham Palace."

The Army Cadet Force is a voluntary youth organisation, sponsored by the Army, for boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 that aims aims to develop character-building qualities of good citizenship, leadership and service in the cadets.

Any adults who would like to become instructors are invited to drop in at any of the force's detachments in the region.