Four young people from the Vale of Glamorgan who are making a difference in their community have been honoured by the Queen’s representative for the area.

Able Cadet Joshua Edwards, from Llantwit Major; Able Cadet Lilimai Black, from Penarth; Cadet Corporal Madisyn Morgan from Barry; and Cadet Sergeant Rhian Horton also from Barry have been appointed as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for 2020.

The four were selected for the prestigious role, which lasts for one year, after being put forward for nomination by Cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The role includes attendance with Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs Morfudd Meredith, at a number of official engagements, including remembrance events, royal visits and parades.

They were presented with their badge of appointment in front of around 90 people at an awards ceremony at Maindy Barracks, Cardiff.

Mrs Meredith said: “Tonight presents the opportunity to recognise the excellent work of the Reserve Forces and Cadets in South Glamorgan. The occasion demonstrates the very best dedication and commitment by those who serve in the Reserve Forces and Cadet families.”

Joshua, 15, of Barry Sea Cadets, and a pupil at Llantwit Major School, who aims to join the Navy, is looking forward to taking part in the World Tall Ships Race from Spain to France in July – an opportunity that arose through Cadets.

“My favourite thing about Cadets is off shore voyages and I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Tall Ships race this summer,” said Joshua, who progressed through the ranks from Cadet to Able Cadet within two years, due to his dedication, commitment and outstanding attendance.

Lilimai, 16, of Penarth Sea Cadets, who attends St Cyres School, and also aims to join the Navy, said she was looking forward to her role as a Lord-Lieutenant Cadet over the next year.

“Some of the best experiences I have had have been through Cadets so I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of joining,’’ said Lilimai, who is a fully qualified rowing coxswain.

Her passion is for the catering branch and she has completed a Class 3 Catering course and aspires to achieve the pinnacle qualification of Cadet Catering Instructor.

Rhian, 17, of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, attends Barry Sixth Form, and is a squadron marksman, basic radio operator, youth first aider and holds the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.

She is also a qualified sport leader, holds a tag rugby leader qualification and runs fun sports sessions for the Cadets at MOD St Athan on a regular basis.

She has attended camps at RAF Cosford and Henlow, as well as overseas camps in Germany, Poland, Belgium and France. At a recent camp, she was the most senior Cadet and responsible for 40 other cadets. “I was really shocked to find out that I had been chosen but I’m really looking forward to attending all the different events that the Lord-Lieutenant attends,’’ said Rhian, who volunteers and fundraises for many organisations within her community.

There are over 4,400 Cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.

The Cadet syllabus is delivered by hundreds of volunteering Adult Instructors and Civilian Assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

The event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years. For more information, visit: www.Wales-RFCA.org