A CADET force commander has been rewarded for going beyond the call of duty.

Barnard Castle School teacher and contingent commander with the Combined Cadet Force Caroline Connor has been awarded the Lord Lieutenant Certificate of Meritorious Service.

The major was presented with the accolade by Durham’s Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon at a special ceremony at Aycliffe Armoury.

Major Connor was nominated for the award by Barnard Castle School headmaster Alan Stevens.

A biology teacher, she has served in the Barnard Castle School Combined Cadet Force as Contingent Commander since she joined the school.

Mr Stevens said: “Major Connor goes way beyond the call of duty both in the classroom and the CCF, offering students a bounty of rich learning opportunities. She thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

Major Connor added: “I just love seeing cadets develop a host of life skills so was overwhelmed by this award.

“Our contingent is going from strength to strength with 160 cadets on the roll and with plans to start recruiting from Year 9. CCF also allows our lower sixth to gain a BTEC Level 2 qualification in teamwork and personal development in the community and take part in shooting competitions and exercises.”