A Braintree Air Cadet will visit St James’s Palace in London to pick up his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Cadet Warrant Officer Daniel Dedman is the first cadet from Braintree Air Cadets to win the award in nearly 50 years.

The nineteen-year-old joined Braintree Air Cadets in August 2010 and has reached the highest standard in shooting qualifications as a Corps Marksman, a Cadet Drill Instructor, and he is also Master Cadet.

Commanding Officer Flight Sergeant Colin Johnson said: "Daniel is an example for what a dedicated Cadet can achieve.

“I saw Daniel the first day he attended Air Cadets and have watched him grow into a mature responsible adult, he has gained so many skills with us.”