THE Holsworthy detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force (ACF) recently celebrated a major achievement by its senior cadet Staff Serjeant Ella Hughes, 18, who has been appointed the position of ‘Master Cadet’.

After successfully attending the National master Cadet course held at The Frimey Park cadet training centre in Camberle, Ella has been appointed the position of Master Cadet by the Commandant of Devon ACF Lt Col Leigh Skelton.

Ella is the first cadet in Holsworthy to make this achievement and had enjoyed a full six-year term of service with the unit.

Lt Col Joe Martin, deputy Commandant of Devon, visited the detachment to make the award.

Before the presentation Lt Col Martin invited Ella to relate her cadet experience to the other cadets. Ella talked fondly of her time as junior cadet and senior leader and instructor as well as time served with the Devon Corps of Drums overseas trips and the many exciting exercises and camps she has attended.

Looking to future aspirations, Ella is going to university to study equestrian skills with thoughts of becoming a mounted police officer — and is also considering returning to the cadet force as an adult.

Amongst her many achievements Ella takes away a BTec diploma, Duke of Edinburgh Award and first aid at work certification as well as qualifying as a senior cadet instructor. All of these skills hold real world values sought after by potential employers.

Detachment commander Lt Jim Harvey said: “Staff Sergeant Ella Hughes has been an exemplary cadet and it has been a privilege to witness her development from shy recruit to a confident and skilled leader respected by her peers.”

For more information about the detachment visit their Facebook page ‘Holsworthy ACF’ or for more information about joining contact Lt Harvey by email [email protected]