AN army cadet and reservist from Bradford have both received top honours for their outstanding contribution to their units.

Cadet sergeant Shannon Leigh Lawler, 16, of Odsal Detachment, and an apprentice electrician, has been awarded the highest honour a cadet from any service can receive – appointment as a Lord-Lieutenant Cadet.

Colour Sergeant Stephen Lightowler, a Silsden-based electrician, who has served with The Parachute Regiment for 34 years, was also given a special award by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson.

Mr Anderson said: “Among our cadets and reservists, we have some truly remarkable individuals who make a real difference and rightly deserve recognition.

“I am delighted to be able to pay tribute to Shannon, a truly inspirational cadet who has grasped all the opportunities that being a cadet has to offer and emerged as a fantastic role model. I am looking forward to her joining me on many of my duties in the year ahead.

“Reservists combine civilian jobs with military careers and make a huge contribution to Britain’s Armed Forces. So it is a pleasure to honour Colour Sergeant Lightowler who has served his country both as a regular and reserve soldiers for 34 years. He has served in some of the most dangerous parts of the world and now inspires young soldiers to reach their potential.”