FOUR of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets in Somerset.

The award goes to cadets who have excelled in the role and shown remarkable leadership.

In their new role they will assist Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, at official engagements throughout the year, serving as ambassadors for the cadet forces.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “These are all extraordinary young people, deserving of this honour and I am really looking forward to working with them.

“They have been given this award because of their exemplary commitment. It’s a real pleasure to recognise their achievements.”

17-year old Cadet Sergeant James Hargreaves has built an outstanding record of leadership and service across the cadet forces serving currently as Cadet Sergeant in the Royal Marines Section and head drummer of the Corps of Drums at Wellington School.

He has spent five years with the Corps of Drums and served across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines sections of the CCF, two years with the Sea Cadet Corps and three years with the Royal Marines Cadets - holding leadership roles including Acting Corporal, and was selected as a Lord Mayor's Cadet in 2024 to 2025.

He was selected for the National Drill Leadership course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines and gained wide-ranging experience through Royal Navy Band Camps, Army Summer Camp, RYA Level 3 Sailing, as well as offshore voyages on TS Royalist.

James has volunteered with junior cadets for four years, supported the Poppy Appeal, and completed his Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Awards alongside the Ten Tors challenge.

Deputy Lieutenant for Youth, Polly Marsh, said: “This year of attending royal, civic and ceremonial duties, will give each of them some incredible experiences that will teach them much about service and duty, but will also be fun and privileged for them and their families.”