Royal assignment for top cadet Aaron

The Cadet petty officer, who is an enthusiastic member of training ship Warrior, in Carrickfergus, has been honoured with the role of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Co Antrim.

The 17-year-old will accompany Lord Lieutenant Joan Christie – the Queen’s official representative – at civic functions.

Aaron, who is entitled to wear the Lord Lieutenant’s insignia on his uniform, received a commemorative certificate from Mrs Christie at a ceremony in Hillsborough Castle.

A keen sportsman, Aaron has represented both his district and the Province in sailing, rugby, soccer and kayaking. The citation which accompanies his award recognises that Aaron “maintains high standards in all that he does and he has achieved excellent reports in a large number of Cadet disciplines, in particular piping, rope work, coxswain and kayaking”.

Aaron, described as “a selfless and dedicated cadet who leads by example”, is already a senior cadet instructor and was recently selected as one of four cadet ambassadors from Northern Ireland who will represent the movement in Cadet150, this year’s celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Cadet movement in the UK.