A LORRY driver, who worked his way up through the ranks to become an Army cadet officer, has been presented with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Lieutenant Thomas Palmer's achievement comes hot on the heels of his appointment as company training officer for the 2nd A Company, in Tyne and Wear.

Commanding more than 150 cadets, he now has the opportunity to help the next generation follow in his footsteps.

Lt Palmer, 27, of Shield Row, Stanley, County Durham, who is an officer with the Durham Light Infantry, said: "Going down to get the award at St James' Palace in London was the proudest day of my life.

"Seeing young people achieving things through the Army cadet force is the most rewarding part of it."

Lt Palmer, who joined the cadets at the age of 13, has been to Spain with the cadet force band as a bugler. He became a sergeant instructor in 1997 and was recommended for commission in 1999.

Among the tasks he completed to achieve his gold award were developing his own physical training programme and working with children with disabilities and special needs at the Kielder Calvert Trust.

He also took part in an expedition to the Canadian Rockies, as part of exchange programme between British and Canadian cadet movements.

Army Cadet Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Michael Twinn said: "Getting the award was a tremendous achievement for Thomas."