A teenage army cadet from Burnham-On-Sea has been rewarded for his hard work by being name Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Somerset.
Cadet Sergeant Owen Bishop, a member of the Somerset Cadet Battalion (The Rifles) Army Cadet Force, is one of five cadets chosen by the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Gass, to accompany her on Royal visits and other official engagements during 2014.
The five cadets were chosen from cadet organisations across Somerset, after showing ‘exceptional dedication and skill at their respective units.’
Owen will now accompany her on formal functions, including royal visits across the whole county.
Appointment as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is said to be the pinnacle of an Army Cadets time in the organisation.
Lieutenant Kat Dee, officer commanding of the 45 strong Burnham & Highbridge platoon, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are all exceptionally proud of Owen’s achievements in the Army Cadet Force.”
“He has taken every opportunity available in the organisation. He has completed his Duke of Edinburgh Awards, represented in county and region in sport, has been a member of a brigade shooting team and even taken part in the famous Nijmegan Marches – a 120 mile route march in The Netherlands.”
“He is an exceptional role model and an example of what can be achieved by young people in organisations such as the Army Cadet Force.”
Sergeant Major Bishop has been a cadet at the unit for five years and has achieved his Army Proficiency 4* award, the second highest training level for an army cadet.
He will be attending his final Master Cadet course in the next few months and is currently studying catering at Weston College and is working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
