A teenager from Heston Cadets has achieved one of the highest honours available in the organisation.
Brijinder Nijjar was singled out from nearly 4,000 youths across London to be named the Lord Lieutenants Army Cadet at a ceremony in Putney last Thursday.
The 17-year-old, of Hayes, will accompany and support the Queen's representative, Sir David Brewer, in his new role at dozens of official functions during the coming year.
"This is such a special night for me and my family," said the Cranford Community College pupil.
"I'm just so proud to have been chosen for this duty - it really tops out my time in the Army Cadets, which has got to be the best thing for any young person to do.
"It's been stretching but great fun and it's really helped me do things I never imagined possible."
Brijinder joined Heston Cadets four years ago and has been on a number of trips, including a Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition in the Brecon Beacons.
He also recently completed a leadership course, which is equivalent to four GCSEs, gaining an A grade.
Captain Paul Draper, of Heston Cadets, was also honoured on the night.
The 44-year-old landscape gardener, of Harlington, received the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Best North West Detachment Commander Award.
"This is a great award and recognition but it belongs not just to me but to all my staff at Heston who work so hard to ensure that we offer these young people the right sort of challenges to develop them as good citizens," he said.
"Adult volunteers all around London are giving their time to help teenagers ever night of the week, and I'm very proud to be given this recognition."
Heston Cadets meet every Monday and Wednesday night at their base in Vicarage Farm Road, Heston. For more information about the Army Cadets, call 0845 600 7799 or visit: www.armycadets.com
