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

Apprentice bricklayer Callum Dobson was promoted at Cumbria Army Cadet Force summer camp.

Callum, 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.

He said: “At Queen Katherine 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.”

Callum also attends Kendal College one day a week as part of his apprenticeship, and said:“What makes the difference with cadets, is the time and effort the instructors put in to help you.”

Col Tom McMullen, commandant of Cumbria ACF, said: “Callum is the epitome of what a young cadet should aspire to be. He is knowledge-able, practical and wise beyond his years with a knack for getting the best out of cadets. He is an excellent role model and the skills he has gained will also help his employers.”

l Cumbria ACF is part of a nationwide youth training organisation for young people aged 12-18. Kendal Detachment parades on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm at the TA Centre on Queen Catherine Street. Find out more from Major Steve Matthews on 01228-516225 or www.cumbria-armycadets.com.