THE youth of Holsworthy who play a part in community life with the army cadets were celebrated in a gathering at the local golf club.

Fifty cadets were present for the event, which involved a dinner and guests presenting awards that celebrated their achievements.

Piran Jeffery was named best recruit and received the trophy from Officer Commanding for C (North) Company Devon ACF Major Andrea Kent-Smith.

Awarded best cadet was Maisie Kemsley who was also promoted to Lance Corporal and received her trophy from former army cadet Serjeant Kieran Fraser, whose family sponsor the trophy.

The best cadet NCO, voted for by the cadets with the perpetual shield sponsored by Holsworthy Town Council, was presented to Cadet Serjeant Aaron Squirrell by Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor.

A new trophy introduced in 2024 recognising a cadet who upholds the ACF values of courage discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment was awarded to LCpl Alesha Ingram with Lt Harvey stating at the presentation that she had also demonstrated “humanity, compassion, modesty and decency”.

Former Devon County councillor for Holsworthy Mr Barry Parsons, a supporter of the detachment, presented his community cadet cup to Corporal Paige Chidley recognising her in house volunteering as well as tasks carried out in the local community.

Area training officer 2Lt Jon Gard presented LCpl Alesha Ingram and Jaz Willson, who was also promoted to full corporal on the night, with Marksman Badges which they won at a recent full bore shoot using the cadet version of the Army SA80.

Lt Jim Harvey, the detachment commander for Holsworthy ACF said after the event: “It has been the culmination of a fantastic year of achievements made by our young people who should all be very proud of their awards. It remains an honour to be involved in supporting the cadets through their personal and team achievements.”