York cadets have been honoured in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their communities by one of the oldest merchant guilds in the country.

Nine cadets and service personnel selected from hundreds serving in the region were presented with a specially engraved tankard at a private ceremony in The Merchant Adventurers’ historic 655-year-old hall in Fossgate.

Among the recipients was 17-year-old York Army Cadet Jack Hampton, of Huntington, from the Lumley detachment.

His commander said Jack had been instrumental in helping other cadets overcome challenges and go on to achieve their goals.

Jack said: “It was a lovely surprise to hear I was going to be given this special award by the Merchant Adventurers. It’s a great honour and is certainly one of the highlights of my career so far.”

The York Company of Merchant Adventurers marked the 15th year of its tankard awards, which began in the 1980s to honour the sailors of HMS York.

Others who received the award, having been nominated by their commanding officers, included Colour Sergeant Sean Hyland, of Heworth, who serves with 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Worsley Barracks.

He was praised for always performing his duties with a professional, determined and cheerful demeanour.

Fred Brown, the governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, said: “It is particularly important at times like these, with regulars and reserves deployed on operations around the world, that organisations like ours demonstrate our support for these men and women and we are grateful for the opportunity.

“I am particularly pleased to see the youth of today so well represented by the three impressive cadets.”