THREE teenage cadets from Northwich have been honoured.

The presentations were made by David Briggs, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Cheshire, at the annual ceremony for the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards, held at Chester Town Hall.

Cadet Warrant Officer Charlie Hensby, 19, and Cadet Flight Sergeant Elizabeth Barr, 18, were awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the Armed Services.

The award was an especially proud moment for Mid Cheshire College student Charlie, who has learning difficulties.

He said: “I was really surprised to receive this award and truly honoured.

“It’s a special honour because it’s presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, something outside and beyond Cadets.

“Education has not been easy for me as I have dysgraphia and dyslexia – I am extremely grateful to my two college lecturers who have supported me during my two years at Mid Cheshire College.

“After a couple of years away from education, gaining some more life experience, I plan to join the RAF.”

Since joining the cadets five years ago, Elizabeth has taken part in the gruelling Nijmegen marches in the Netherlands, to being part of the National Marching Band.

She has also been selected for the International Air Cadet Exchange 2017, and will travel to the USA in July.

Elizabeth said: “Since joining the Air Cadets I’ve loved every minute.

“I was very surprised to be told I was receiving this award, and I feel honoured to represent my squadron and the air cadets at the prestigious ceremony.”

Cadet Sergeant Major Alex Hawkins, 17, was awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Commendation.

The Sir John Deane’s College student plans to apply to Sandhurst Royal Military Academy once he has finished his A Levels.

The annual ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of members of the Reserve Forces and Cadet organisations, saw 11 adults and young people from across Cheshire honoured.

Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association which runs the awards, said: “The Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment and dedication of the men and women who serve in our nation’s Reserve Forces.

“We also recognise the achievements of the young people and adults who are members of the cadet organisations.

“The cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel.

“We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated adult volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy.”