A ceremony has been held to celebrate the achievements of the island’s cadets and Army Reservists.

The annual Lieutenant Governor’s Awards were held at the Government House in Onchan where family members, friends and special guests watched the individuals receive certificates from the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney himself.

Cadet under officer Alice Louise Waters, King Williams College Combined Cadet Force, and Cadet Sergeant Cameron Hilton Findlay of 440 (1st Manx) Squadron RAF Air Cadets were presented with Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor’s Certificate of Meritorious Cadet Service.

Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor’s Commendation was presented to staff sergeant Ian Openshaw of 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

These awards are recognised as laudatory honours throughout the Armed Forces.

Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NWRFCA), which facilitates the awards, said: ’The Lieutenant Governor’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment, dedication and achievements of the adults and young people who are members of the Reserve Forces and the cadet organisations.

’Reservists choose to serve, committing their spare time to training and deployment, and are a vital part of our nation’s defence capability.

’The cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel.

’We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated adult volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy.’

Alice has been a cadet at King Williams College for almost five years.

She received her certificate for commitment towards carrying standards on behalf of her cadet unit and ex-service associations in the island.

Alice has carried standards at the Tynwald national parade and Armed Forces Day, as well as at local civic and remembrance parades. She was commended for her confidence, bearing and personality.

Cameron had joined the RAF Air Cadets in 2014 and is now the cadet non-commissioned officer in command of Douglas Flight, plus leader of the standard bearing team.

He has represented his squadron at several competitions in the UK, and has led the squadron’s drill team.

Cameron has also completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Ian Openshaw was commended for his support to the island’s Army Reserve unit, where he has undertaken the administrative functions for the unit for a many years.

As a volunteer reservist, Ian was praised for going above and beyond the call of duty to keep the unit running in the island.

This includes taking every Wednesday afternoon to prepare the Army Reserve Centre for the weekly drill night.

During the event police cadet Eloisha Dunn and St John’s Ambulance cadet Harry Brown were appointed as Lieutenant Governor’s Cadets.

This role means that they will assist the Lieutenant Governor with ceremonial duties.

In the same week, the new intake of 16 police cadets officially began their two year journey within the Isle of Man Constabulary.

An event was held at Vagabonds Rugby Club.

Police constable Mike Griffiths, who oversees the running and organisation of the police cadets, said: ’We would like to take this opportunity to introduce the 2018 intake of police cadets.

’They were chosen from nearly 100 applicants and they will be spending the next two years with us working across the island on community projects, learning about policing, working towards their Duke of Edinburgh, first aid, open water rescue certificates and enhancing their life skills.’