A STALWART of the Air Cadets in South Lakeland has been presented with the British Empire Medal he was awarded in the Queen’s birthday honours last year.

Norman Wileman received his BEM from Air Commodore Peter Smith RAF (Retd), Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, at an afternoon tea held in his honour at the Low Wood Hotel, Windermere.

For more than 57 years, Mr Wileman has been treasurer of the 1127 (Kendal) Air Cadet squadron’s civilian committee.

Over the past six decades he has also been treasurer of the Old Folks’ Treat Club and, more latterly, with Kendal Amateur Dramatics, Talking Newspapers and Lakes Players.

“It was only through researching Norman for his BEM that we discovered just how much he had been helping others,” said Flt Lt Tim Corry Officer, Commanding 1127 Squadron. “If anyone needs an example of volunteering they need look no further than Norman. It is marvellous that his selfless contribution has been recognised nationally and locally in this way. We are all so proud of him”.

Mr Wileman, who lives at Burneside Road, Kendal, will be attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace later in the Summer.