THREE teenagers have been honoured with appointments as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for 2020 at an awards ceremony in Newtown.

Cadet Colour Sergeant Sally Murton-Davies from Llandinam, Cadet Sergeant Holly Vincentelli from Machynlleth and Cadet Flight Sergeant Benjamin Gilmore from Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain were given a distinctive sash with the badge of their appointment, a title which will last for one year.

The trio were selected for the prestigious role after being put nominated by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The role includes attendance with Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, Mrs Tia Jones, who acts as the Queen’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

Sally, 16, of the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force (ACF), is studying at Newtown High School and aspires to become an Army combat medic.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunities that this role will offer me over the next year. I’m one of the youngest chosen which makes it even more special to be doing something so different.”

Since joining the ACF three years ago, Holly, 17, has grown in confidence and become a valued senior cadet.

She attended the Royal College of Nursing Cadet Scheme Pilot and Senior Cadets Instructors Cadre. She completed both bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and is working towards her gold.

Holly who grew up with a brother who suffers from a development disorder, said Cadets gave her “a chance to breathe – a chance to be a teenager, for the focus to be on me”.

Her bravery and selfless courage was highlighted when she was nominated for a Young Hero Award and British Citizen Award after she gave first aid and stayed with a young boy at the scene of a high speed accident in 2018 while his father was airlifted to hospital.

With little regard for her own wellbeing, she made her way to the scene to comfort and help the young boy.

Benjamin, 18, of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, who aims to join the RAF as a pilot said: “This is such an honour and was a complete surprise – it was just a normal cadet night at squadron when I was told.”

He added: “I’m really looking forward to attending all the events.”