AN Andover man has been given a prestigious national honour for his services to the cadets.

Anthony Shallow, 27, was presented with the Lord Lieutenant’s Meritorious Award in recognition of his hard work and dedication during 10 years in the force.

Anthony, who works as a teacher at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, attended an award ceremony at the city’s cathedral where he picked up the prize from newly-appointed Lord Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson.

He told the Andover Advertiser: “I’m really humbled to receive such an award and I really appreciate being put forward for it.

“My family are really pleased for me too and they have been tremendously supportive and understanding of all the time I dedicate to the cadets.

“It’s been so nice to get recognition for doing something I love so much.

“I want to continue with my current posting and continue developing and improving the experience for those who are part of the cadets.”

Anthony first joined the cadets as an instructor a decade ago and looked after a detachment in Winchester for four years, before taking the role as company training officer.

That saw him placed in charge of eight detachments around Winchester, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for a host of other groups.

Last year Anthony planned and led an expedition to the United States of America, where he and 24 other cadets spent 11 days working with the American Army Cadet Corps in Kentucky.

Antony’s fellow cadet, company sergeant major Jessica Cookson, was also rewarded for her hard work, after being appointed as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet.

Anthony added: “This is an excellent achievement for CSM Cookson who worked exceptionally hard in the Cadet Force.”