The Queen’s representative for Gwent has paid tribute to three members of Abergavenny’s Cadet community.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE CStJ held his annual Awards Ceremony at Raglan Barracks in Newport on Thursday 8 February.

“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that there’s anything wrong with the youth of today,” he said.

“We have some fantastic young men and women in our Cadet organisations and that includes the Adult Volunteers and Cadets.

“We are lucky to have organisations like the Cadets here in Gwent that will provide a framework and opportunity for outstanding young people to be able to find their true potential.”

Cadet Flight Sergeant Josephine Hurry from 2478 Abergavenny Squadron RAF Air Cadets was welcomed to the important role of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2018.

Over the next year, Josephine’s new role will include accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent at official engagements. The trio will experience significant involvement in Royal visits to the county and public parades, such as Remembrance events as Wales marks the 100th year since the end of the First World War.

The event was attended by over 50 people and the Lord-Lieutenant also paid tribute to the volunteers who give up their time to work with Cadets and help them gain life changing opportunities and qualifications.

The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Volunteer Service was presented to Pilot Officer Matthew Riddell, the Officer in Charge at 2478 Abergavenny Squadron RAF Air Cadets, to mark the achievements he’s made in four years of volunteering with future generations.

Matthew’s dedicated and wide ranging support of Cadets has included assisting Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, delivering field craft training and leading a team of Cadets to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.

There are 1,200 other volunteers like Matthew in Wales, who make a difference in their communities by inspiring over 4,400 active Cadets to broaden their horizons, enhance their personal development and reach their potential.

The event was organised by RFCA for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.

To learn more about opportunities available, visit: www.Wales-RFCA.org or contact @RFCAforWales on Twitter.