A senior cadet at the Soham detachment of the army cadets is celebrating after being appointed to the position of master cadet.

Major Callum Jessiman was officially welcomed to the new role during a parade evening.

Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Cox, the Cambridgeshire deputy commandant, said: “This is the pinnacle of any cadet’s time in the army cadets and is the culmination of a lot of hard work by cadet Sergeant Major Jessiman.

“Not only has he presented himself as an exemplary cadet, but he has been a first class ambassador for the Soham detachment and Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force.”

In order to achieve master cadet status, Callum had to progress through a five level proficiency programme, complete the senior cadet instructor’s cadre and pass the gruelling week long master cadet course at Frimley Park in Surrey.

Only then do cadets become eligible to be appointed and only at the discretion of the county commander.

Callum said: “My time in the ACF has helped me in so many ways from building my confidence, to developing leadership skills, to learning how to mentor and generally having a great time.

“The various camps and training weekends I have attended, I have learnt to shoot, gone kayaking, abseiled, been rock climbing, ridden motorcycles, been on a Segway, been orienteering, flown in a Chinook helicopter and taken part in first aid competitions - to name but a few.”

The appointment follows on from Callum’s recent completion of a year serving as one of the cadets with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, on a number of Royal visits to the county.

Simon Winters, detachment commander staff sergeant said: “Callum has been a shining example to all of the cadets at Soham detachment and works hard at every challenge he is set.

“This appointment to master cadet is well deserved and we are all very proud of what he has achieved in his cadet career.”

Additionally, Callum has recently submitted his Duke of Edinburgh silver award for assessment. Later this month he will represent Cambridgeshire at the cadet national clay shooting championships.

• For more information about what the cadets can offer visit www.armycadets.comcountycambridgeshire-acf.