A LORRY driver who worked his way up through the ranks to become an army cadet officer has become the proud recipient of 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 based in Tyne and Wear.

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

Lt Palmer, 27, of Shield Row, Stanley, 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 - to see scrawny kids come in to the force and to mould them into respectable members of society."

Lt Palmer, who joined the cadets at the age of 13, has been to Spain with the cadet force band as a bugler. He worked his way to four stars - the pinnacle of achievement as a cadet - 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, 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 an exchange programme between British and Canadian cadet movements.

Army Cadet Force spokesman Lt Col Michael Twinn said: "Getting the award was a tremendous achievement for Thomas. It was the culmination of about six years hard work.

"It is an award specially designed to change youngsters. The beauty of his position is that he is started all the way from bronze to gold and can now train youngsters to follow in his footsteps."