The awards evening held at Thornbury Detachment in April was also the final night on parade for two of the detachment's oldest cadets as they reached 18 years of age.

Cpl Tom Buckley, from Kington and L/Cpl Grace Curran, from Dursley both leave the detachment after reaching the upper age limit.

The Detachment hosted the City and County of Bristol Army Cadet Forces’ most senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major Steve Hoydan, who made a selection of awards to the cadets for their achievements over the last few months.

Badges and certificates were awarded for completion of APC Basic Training to Cdts Hember, Crabtree, Hughes, Littlewood, Hawkins and Stevenson.

Cadet Hawkins (14), from Tockington was also awarded a 2nd Class shooting badge for his marksmanship skills on the Air Rifle range.

Cadet Hawkins with his Certificate and badges, with Mr MIck Mills and RBL Chairman Larry Cauchi

Cadet Hawkins with his Certificate and badges, with Mr MIck Mills and RBL Chairman Larry Cauchi

Also present at the awards evening were Royal British Legion branch Chairman Mr Larry Cauchi and Standard Bearer Mr Mick Mills. Thornbury Detachment has an affiliation with the RBL and all cadets wear the ‘Affiliated Unit’ badge to recognise this. These badges were presented to Cdts Hawkins, Stevenson and Littlewood by the Chairman, Mr Cauchi.

The main award for the evening was the keenly contested ‘Cadet of the Month’ (Best Cadet) award, represented by a Plaque, which was presented by RSM Hoydan. The winner of the award was Cdt Horder (16), from Thornbury.

Bristol RSM Steve Hoydan with Cadet of the Month (Best Cadet) Cdt Horder

Bristol RSM Steve Hoydan with Cadet of the Month (Best Cadet) Cdt Horder

Cdt Horder has been a member of the Detachment since Autumn 2019 and has progress steadily during his time as a cadet.

Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Liam Read said: “Horder is a very hard-working cadet who ensures tasks are carried out correctly and puts in maximum effort”.

Horder has attended every ACF weekend activity in 2022 and has missed only one parade evening since Christmas.

Following the awards, the cadets and instructors enjoyed a buffet and made leaving presentations to the two cadets who were ending their time with the detachment.

Grace Curran is progressing an application to return to the ACF as an instructor, whilst Tom Buckley is completing his A-levels and making an application to join the Regular Army as an Officer, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.