A KENDAL cadet has achieved the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major in the largest military organisation within Cumbria.

Callum Dobson, an apprentice bricklayer, was promoted at Cumbria Army Cadet Force summer camp.

Cadet Sergeant Major Dobson, 18, has been a member of Kendal Detachment of Cumbria ACF since 2008, where he obtained a distinction in his Level 2 BTEC in Public Services.

He also qualified as a youth first aider, attended senior cadet leadership courses and represented the county at sport.

Cadet Sergeant Major Dobson said: “At Queen Katherine’s School, I struggled with reading and writing, but I always enjoyed doing practical things. Being in the cadets gave me the confidence to get a job and get on. It really has made a huge difference to my life.”

Cadet Sergeant Major Dobson also attends Kendal College one day a week as part of his apprenticeship.

“What makes the difference with cadets, is the time and effort the adult instructors put in to help you."

Col Tom McMullen, commandant of Cumbria Army Cadet Force, said: “Cadet Sergeant Major Dobson is the epitome of what a young cadet should aspire to be.

"He is knowledgeable, practical and wise beyond his years with a knack for getting the best out of the cadets. He is an excellent role model and the skills he has gained with the cadets, such as leadership, self-discipline and the ability to work with others, will also help his employers.”

Cumbria Army Cadet Force is part of a nationwide youth training organisation for young people aged 12-18.

Kendal Detachment parades on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9pm at the TA Centre on Queen Catherine Street.

For more information, call Major Steve Matthews on 01228 516225 or go to www.cumbriaarmycadets.com