A WEYMOUTH woman has been awarded a top accolade for her dedicated work with the Sea Cadets.

Angela Saint, 53, was awarded the HM Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Commendation, which is one of the most prestigious awards for a member of the reserve forces.

At the same ceremony at Bournemouth University a group of four Dorset cadets, including two from Weymouth, were selected to accompany HM Lord Lieutenant for official engagements over the next year.

Mrs Saint has been a member of the Weymouth Sea Cadet Corps for 13 years alongside her full-time job and family commitments.

She said: "It is a tremendous privilege for me to receive this award - I am overwhelmed to be recognised for my work with the sea cadets.

"It is very rewarding to work with the young cadets and see them change and grow in their time with the corps."

Mrs Saint first got involved with the cadets when her daughter joined in 1994 and after working in the tuck shop and the management committee, she took the post of treasurer and admin officer as well as attending parade nights twice a week.

The cadets chosen to accompany the Queen's representative were all picked because they have excelled in their duties for the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Corps or the Air Training Corps.

The two Weymouth teenagers that were chosen will join the royal representative at functions representing the Weymouth Sea Cadet Corps.

Leading Cadet Stacey Austin, 17, joined the cadets aged 10 and has excelled in her cadet training courses and plays the bell lyre and side drum in the unit band.

Leading Cadet Charlotte Birch, 17, represents the South West in swimming competitions and holds many marine cadet qualifications.