Isle of Man Army Cadet Force cadet James Corlett has been recognised as the best turned out individual during July’s Tynwald Day proceedings.

The Isle of Man Royal Air Force Air Cadets were named as the best turned out unit.

James, a 17-year-old Queen Elizabeth II High School student, said: ‘It was an honour to be part of the Tynwald Day ceremony. It was the third year for me but the first year to have received this award.’

Parade commander Stephen Webster said: ‘James’s general bearing remained exemplary for the duration of the event, with uniform, equipment and personal turnout all in notably good order.’

James continued: ‘Before I joined the cadet force at 14, I would hide in a corner and was really shy and uncomfortable if I had to speak to people I didn’t know.

‘Being in the cadets, though, is very good for building your self-confidence and now I feel much more confident in any situation. You get to learn not only all kinds of transferable skills but also practical ones, too, like first aid right down to how to iron a shirt, which I couldn’t do before.

‘The discipline is character building and sleeping out in a tent and having to live off only what you’re supplied with makes you feel you’re capable of doing anything. And when you’re faced with a challenge, the problem seems to be a lot smaller.

‘The cadet force is like having another family - we’re a team and all get along.

‘I’m hoping to go on to higher education and maybe study physics, maths or computer science, then afterwards I’d like to return to the Cadet Force and be an instructor.

‘I would really recommend joining the cadets because you get to discover and experience things that you might never have the chance to do anywhere else. Being in the cadets has shown me just how confident I can be. Before I joined, I’d never have thought I could be a “people person”’.

Isle of Man Army Cadet Force 2nd Lieutenant James Ross added: ‘Receiving this award goes to show James’s dedication – not only to his turnout but also to the values and standards he upholds.’

In recognising the Isle of Man Royal Air Force Air Cadets as Best Turned Out Unit parade commander Stephen Webster said: ‘The contingent presented in correct warm weather dress, maintained its position on the processional route, and upheld a consistently smart and disciplined appearance throughout the proceedings.’

Flight Sergeant Harry Hampton said: ‘We’re extremely proud to receive the award and to have been part of the proceedings for six years.’

Cadet Emily Jacobs, who joined a year ago, said: ‘It was great to be doing something for the community and be representing the Air Cadets.’

Cadet Jasper Cain said: ‘I’ve been in the Air Cadets about a year now and I like how you get to try things you don’t know you’re going to enjoy – and I wanted to make my grandmother proud.’

Flight Lieutenant Jenny Wernham added: ‘The cadets always make me proud’.

She went on to say that the cadets would be travelling to Ypres in Belgium this month where they would be among those laying a wreath at the Menin Gate memorial ceremony.