THREE teenage cadets have been awarded the prestigious Lord Lieutenant certificate – an honour that ranks alongside the MBE – in recognition of their outstanding service.

Helen Yeoman, 17, Tabitha Wood, 16, and James Baldwin, 17, all from York, were presented with the certificate by Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, at a ceremony held at Duncombe Barracks in York. The accolade means all three cadets now hold the position of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire.

Since joining the Army Cadet Force (ACF) five years ago, Helen has achieved a bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and has helped organise fundraising events in York, raising money for the Royal Legion and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Helen, a staff sergeant at the Strensall ACF detachment, said: “The army cadet force has been a big part of my life and provided me with some great opportunities. I feel very honoured to receive such a well-respected award.”

Tabitha joined the York Sea Cadets four years ago, has helped raise money for charity and embarked on two voyages at sea.

She said: “Being a cadet has given me so many opportunities to pick up new skills, meet new people and get involved in great initiatives that I’m sure will benefit me in my future.”

James, a Flight Sergeant with the Central and East Yorkshire Wing, has been with the Air Training Corps for more than three years. During this time James has gained a gliding scholarship and received bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Helen, Tabitha and James were three of 11 cadets – selected from 5,400 cadets across Yorkshire and the Humber – to be awarded the certificate. All cadets are between 13 and 18 and part of the Air Training Corps, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force or Combined Cadet Force.