THORNBURY army cadets received certificates at their annual award ceremony last month.

The Army Proficiency Awards were received by Thornbury town mayor Helen Harrison on Friday, December 16.

She was impressed by the young cadet’s achievements and interested to hear about the activities they have been involved with.

The certificates are awarded based on the completion of topics. Some of the subjects can include first aid, field-craft, sport, navigation, music, and military knowledge.

The children are also involved in expeditions, such as treks and camping, and adventure training activities including climbing, skiing and mountain biking.

Eva Fielding has been a volunteer for almost a year. She said: “I wanted to be able to give something back to the cadets as I was a cadet in Thornbury detachment myself when I was younger.

“It's a brilliant youth organisation that brings together team work, leadership skills and great friendships with other youths in the community.

“The awards are a great way to show our young cadets how their hard work has paid off this year.”

Whilst some of their activities have a military theme, others have a community focus, all aim to inspire young people to challenge their limits, become more independent, improve confidence and enable them to step up to a challenge.

To find out more about volunteering or becoming an army cadet visit www.armycadets.com.