AN ARMY cadet has been given a royal honour for his hard work and achievement.
Ryan Evans, 18, was honoured by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Claire Hensman, at the annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Cumbria held in Levens Hall.
The Millom cadet was hailed for his exceptional work as a positive role model to other cadets in his rural detachment and awarded Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.
He said: "In the time I've been a cadet I've completed many courses and had so many experiences.
"I feel honoured in receiving such a prestigious award.
"As it comes at the culmination of my cadet career it is extra-special as it makes me look back at the six years I spent and reminisce about all the good moments I had with Cumbria Army Cadets."
The Furness College student said he is considering either a career in the army as a Royal engineer or attending university to study history once he finishes school.
He added: "Cadets has massively improved my confidence, making me a more confident person.
"One of the most memorable was taking part in a trip to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands. This was a poignant moment in my cadet career that I will always remember."
As a member of one of the country's most rural army cadet detachments, Ryan has gone to extra lengths to support his unit by attending weekend activities and travelling further than any other cadet in Cumbria.
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Having completed the Junior Cadet Instructor Course he now delivers training to other cadets, strengthening the support given to future generations.
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."
He added that these opportunities are only possible with the support of the "dedicated adult volunteers" who deliver the "quality experiences, adventure and community projects cadets enjoy."
The ceremony is held every year in order to recognise the contributions made by members of the reserve forces and cadet organisations and honoured 19 different people from across Cumbria.
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