A TEENAGER has been awarded a ceremonial sword in honour of being named the country’s best male air cadet.

Cadet Warrant Officer Matthew Leathard, 19, received the Dacre Sword from Group Captain Phil Dacre, whose ancestors first dedicated the sword to its current purpose.

The presentation was attended by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, the Commandant in charge of the Air Cadets.

Mr Leathard, of 234 (City of Durham) Squadron, has attained the highest rank available to cadets, won flying and gliding scholarships, travelled to Everest base camp, achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and recently started studying sports medicine at Loughborough University.

He must leave the cadets when he turns 20 but it is hoped he will return as an adult volunteer in future.

Only four of the ceremonial swords were ever made. Two were lost, one is kept in Clarence House and belonged to the Queen Mother and the last is kept at Air Cadets headquarters, at RAF Cranwell.