ARMY Cadets from across Worcestershire have been rewarded for their efforts at the Worcestershire Army Cadet Force League’s ninth annual awards lunch.

The lunch was held at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich, where guests of honour included the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Colonel Patrick Holcroft, and the Countess of Darnley.

During the lunch, The Lord Lieutenant made a surprise presentation of a Lord Lieutenant’s Award to Major Jeff Hyde, in recognition of his support to the cadet force over 32 years.

Deputy Commandant Lieutenant Colonel, Andrew Booton, said: “Major Hyde is typical of the committed and enthusiastic team of over 130 adults who assist youngsters across the two counties to achieve their goals.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire also thanked his outgoing Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for their service and appointed new cadets for the coming year.

From the Army Cadet Force, Company Sergeant Major Sophia Baker, 18, of Stourbridge, was presented with a certificate to commemorate her year as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and Staff Sergeant Piers Drinkall, 17, of Malvern, was presented with his badges of office.

A cheque for £12,000 was presented to the Commandant Colonel, Andy Taylor, to purchase expedition tents, radios to assist in the co-ordination of events and exercises, air rifles and sports kit.

It was also announced at the lunch that the league had amalgamated with two other trusts, with all supporting the Cadet Battalion, to form the new Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force Charitable Trust.