A 17-year-old army cadet from the Forest has been recognised by the King’s representative for the county of Gwent.

Cadet Sergeant Major Olivia Armstrong, from Lydney, has been appointed as one of the Lord Lieutenant for Gwent’s cadets for 2023.

Olivia, a sixth form student at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, was recognised by Brigadier Robert Aitken at an awards ceremony at Raglan Barracks, Newport.

The Lord Lieutenant appoints five young people as his cadets with each one coming from one of the areas that make up the former county of Gwent.

Olivia, who is a member of the thriving Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ Combined Cadet Force, represents Monmouthshire.

The role of a Lord-Lieutenant cadet for Gwent lasts for a year and includes attendance with the Brigadier, who acts as the King’s representative, at official engagements, such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

The awards ceremony, attended by nearly 100 people, was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales.