THE mayor of Thirsk has presented an army cadets group with an accolade after its members gained the most training qualifications of the 46 detachments in North and West Yorkshire.

Councillor Cynthia Hesmondhalgh watched the Thirsk cadets on parade before giving the County Shield to Cadet Sergeant Andrew Cavanagh, eight Duke of Edinburgh bronze and two silver awards.

A spokesman for Thirsk Detachment, which is training cadets for an expedition in Kwa-Zulu Natal next year, said the award scheme helped instill confidence in the cadets.

He said: “We find the cadets that complete Duke of Edinburgh awards get management positions when they enter the world of work.”