YOUNG cadets from Hereford Cathedral School and Whitecross School were praised by a visiting inspecting officer.

Inspecting Officer Brigadier Graeme ‘Jock’ Fraser from the Royal Marines took the Cathedral school's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) through its paces for its Biennial Inspection.

The CCF includes 30 cadets from Whitecross School.

Brig Fraser visited Suvla Barracks on Harold Street to inspect 175 Army, Navy and RAF Cadets who were on parade.

He said: “Being a cadet has given these young people so many different experiences, helping them to develop confidence, character and a natural authority upon which they can build important life values.

"It was a real pleasure to be asked to inspect today and I was really struck by what a happy group of cadets they are, sharing their stories with me about their experiences.

"Both Hereford Cathedral School and Whitecross School did so well today. All I have seen has clearly indicated a first rate example of an integrated Cadet Force organisation."

For the inspection, the CCF was led by 18-year-old Cadet Warrant Officer Patrick Morgan-Jones.

Tim Knapp, headmaster of Whitecross School, said: “Since 2013, Whitecross has had a contingent of cadets training as part of the Hereford Cathedral School CCF. This partnership, one of very few such arrangements nationally, is going from strength to strength and I could not have been prouder of all the young men and women of Herefordshire parading at the inspection and representing themselves, their families and their schools with such dignity and honour.

"I was especially proud to be present to see Whitecross student, Macauley Davies, receive the award for cadet of the year.”