A DEDICATED Irvine teenager has been honoured with one of the most coveted positions in the cadet movement.

Able Cadet Luke, of Irvine Sea Cadets, was appointed Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Ayrshire and Arran.

The 15-year-old will be an aide and representative of the cadet forces to the Royal Family and will assist Lord-Lieutenant Iona McDonald OBE with her duties over the next 12 months.

On behalf of Her Majesty, Lord-Lieutenant McDonald honoured and appointed Luke in a special ceremony at Irvine Sea Cadets.

She told the gathering: “To become Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Luke has had to be exemplary in all his training and he has done that.”

Turning to Luke, Ms McDonald added: “So it is with the greatest of pleasure that I wish to award this certificate and to appoint you officially as my cadet.”

Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Robert Duncan RNR, commanding officer of Irvine Sea Cadets, said: “I nominated Luke as he is always the first to put himself forward to help others.

“He tries everything, he gives his all and has all the Corps Values woven into his character.

“Luke has strong leadership skills and has performed exceptionally well through peer educator syllabus; a major element of the Sea Cadets Leadership Development Programme.

“I’m extremely proud of Luke. He’s the first Sea Cadet Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran for many years and I’m sure he will excel himself at his forthcoming leading Cadet Promotion Board later in the year.”