AIR cadet Ben Jenkins has had quite the year so far.

18-year-old A-level student Ben joined the 151 Leominster Squadron Air Training Corps as an enthusiastic 13-year-old.

Quickly making an impression on the squadron staff, Ben rose through the ranks, fighting off competition from his fellow cadets to achieve the rank of Flight Sergeant in January of this year.

In March, he was appointed to the prestigious role of Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet to Lady Darnley.

Chosen annually from the Sea Cadet Corps, the Combined Cadet Force, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps, the four Cadets assist the Lord-Lieutenant as required and act as ambassadors for their organisations.

And earlier this month, he graduated as Most Improved Cadet from the highly selective Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course at MoD Boscombe Down.

One of just 40 cadets chosen from across the country to take part in this course, Ben has now been awarded the coveted blue lanyard - a first for the Leominster squadron.

He will now be called upon to assist the Squadron, Wing, Regional and, potentially, Corps, training teams to deliver aerospace training to cadets nationwide.

The Hereford Sixth Form College student, who has also been placed as a reserve for the 2019 Air Cadet Pilot Scheme Scholarship, hopes join the Royal Air Force as a pilot.

A Squadron spokesperson said: "Ben can always be relied upon whenever the call goes out for community assistance, be that parking cars all weekend at Bromyard Gala, forming a Guard of Honour at a public event or carrying the Squadron Banner at the front of a parade.

"He is always immaculately turned out and is a shining example to other cadets both in his bearing and his behaviour.

"Given his determination and attitude, we are sure he will achieve his ambitions."