A WOMAN who has dedicated two decades of her life to help improve the prospects of young people has retired.

A former private school cook, Staff Sergeant Lou Stalker has been involved with the Kendal Detachment of Cumbria Army Cadets as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer since 1998.

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Part of her role included spending time with the cadets twice a week, as well as weekends and at summer camps.

The 66-year-old, from Levens, was presented with the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Merit by the Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Stephen Coleman.

She said: “It was a surprise, very unexpected. Working with the young cadets is the joy, the pleasure and the reward you get out of it. You don’t look forward to any other rewards than the cadets doing well.”

Major Rachel Diss, Burma Company Commander, said: “It is only with the commitment and kindness of volunteers like SSI Stalker that Army Cadets get to participate in varied and exciting activities both locally and on training events away from their local areas.”

SSI Stalker is now handing over command to SI Paul Kitching.

SSI Stalker said: “I am really not one to express feelings, but it’s been amazing these 18 years. I have met a lot lovely people, both children and adults. I just need to step back and let them get on now.”

“I am sure Paul will do a very good job in keeping the detachment going.”

Major Diss said: “In her 18 years as an Instructors, SSI Stalker has engaged young people with challenging backgrounds in Army Cadet Force activities and guided them into improving their futures resulting in capable, professional adults considering her as a major contributor to their life options when they leave at 18 years.”

The Kendal detachment parades on Monday and Wednesday evenings 7-9pm on Queen Katherine Street.

Cadets are encouraged to join from 12 until 18 years, with adults interested in volunteering to be new instructors always welcomed.

For more information, see www.armycadets.com.