The Holsworthy detachment of Devon Army Cadet Force has said goodbye to it’s longest serving senior staff cadet, Staff Serjeant Lydia Girdler.

A special presentation was made with Lydia who was presented with a memory book detailing photographs of her achievements throughout her service.

Lydia, 19, joined in 2017 and rose to the senior rank of cadet staff serjeant with her service extended by the appointment of staff cadet status.

She was voted ‘Best NCO’ two years running by the cadets and received the Holsworthy Town Council sponsored shield from successive mayors.

Speaking at the presentation detachment commander Lt Jim Harvey said: “Lydia has been a very committed cadet serving as role model and instructor to her peers and also as mayor’s cadet for the last two years. She will be missed at detachment but I am sure she will go on to do great things with her life which I look forward to hearing about when she returns as a guest at future events.”

Holsworthy ACF parades on Mondays and Thursdays at the Holsworthy Youth Centre and will be looking to recruit new members from the age of 12 in early May.