Tameside cadet Richard Carter, 16, has recently been awarded with his BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, achieving the highest grade possible of a Distinction Star.

Richard says, “I’m really pleased that I finished my BTEC, and I will definitely be encouraging other cadets to enrol this year. The qualification has given me a bigger perspective of the public services, especially the armed forces.”

It has been a busy month for Richard, who has also taken part in a Royal Review in front of the Prince of Wales, and gained a promotion. He was one a few lucky cadets selected to attend the Royal Review for the Cadet150 celebrations at Buckingham Palace, with Prince Charles taking the salute outside Clarence House whilst the Red Arrows, each carrying a cadet, flew over the parade and the palace.

More recently, Richard has undergone a competitive assessment against other cadets and has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal, the first stage of a non-commissioned officer. He will now undertake duties in training new cadets and showing them the ropes.

Flight Lieutenant Mike Dawson, Richard’s commanding officer, says, “Richard in the last few years has really developed some strong potential and shown excellent skills that will benefit him the future. He was a credit to the air cadet organisation during the Royal Review. Combining that with his BTEC qualification and promotion, this has really made it a busy and challenging month for him.”