A TEENAGER from York and two other young people from North Yorkshire have been recognised for their outstanding service in the cadets.

Natalie Dixon, 16, who lives in Strensall, Charlie Davies, 16, from Scarborough and Joseph McKernan, 18, from Harrogate, have been appointed the Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets for North Yorkshire – the highest honour that can be achieved by a cadet in any of the forces.

Huntington School pupil Natalie, of North and West Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, Charlie, of the Sea Cadet Corps, and Joseph, of the Air Training Corps, were appointed by HM lord-lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd, at a special ceremony held at York’s Strensall Barracks in front of family, friends and local dignitaries.

Cadet sergeant Natalie said: “It’s an incredible honour to receive this award. I look forward to assisting the Lord Lieutenant in his duties and hope I can be a good role model for other cadets.

“I joined up to make friends and to take myself out of my comfort zone, to gain confidence in myself and put something back into the community. I never dreamed I could do as much as I have but look forward to doing more in the future.”

Natalie is described by commandant Jim Greenlee as a dedicated member of the Detachment and B Company, who participates in all aspects of training at Company and County level.

She achieved many outstanding results during her time with B Company, such as her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and Cadet Signal qualifications, as well as taking part in the Brigade Black Rat Cadet Challenge. She is also a very keen sportswoman, representing the North East Region at athletics. Natalie, Charlie and Joseph were among only 12 cadets selected from8,500 across the Yorkshire and Humber region to be awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate.

All cadets are aged between 10 and 18, and can be part of the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force or Air Training Corps.