A SIXTH form student from Levens has been given the highest accolade a sea cadet can achieve.

Leading Sea Cadet Daniel Slater, a pupil at Dallam School, Milnthorpe, and a member of Kendal Sea Cadets, was selected to be the First Sea Lord's Cadet (FSLC) for the North West - one of six available positions in the UK.

He was inaugurated into the role aboard HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar, in Portsmouth last month.

It was a particularly special day for Daniel and his family as his grandfather also served in the navy in Portsmouth and was assigned as part of the serving crew of HMS Victory.

Daniel's journey for the role began when the Kendal Sea Cadet unit's officer-in-charge, Cath Brooks and the Lakeland District Officer, Andy Edgar, put him forward to represent the area at a selection day at the Fleetwood Sea Cadet Unit (FSLC) in October.

"I am immensely proud of his achievement and seeing his self confidence growing from that shy boy who joined us three-and-a-half years ago," said Ms Brooks. "It's a great honour for us to have Dan representing us in such a prestige role."

The four selected candidates for the FSLC role were assessed on various activities including teamwork and practical leadership tasks. They were also interviewed by the area team of three senior officers of the Sea Cadet Corps, to find out who was most suitable to perform the role.

Daniel said he was proud to represent the north west, but even more proud to represent Kendal and bring the town to the national table of cadet forums.

Some of the duties he will perform include representing the sea cadets at official ceremonies and functions with a Royal Navy Board member and other senior Royal Navy officers as well as attending formal parades, ship visits, royal occasions, opening ceremonies, awards and presentations.