A REGIMENTAL Sergeant Major (RSM) has been rewarded for almost 50 years of service in an Army cadet force.

RSM Dennis Rowland MBE of Durham Army Cadet Force has been awarded a Certificate of Good Service by the Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson.

The officer, of Ushaw Moor Light Infantry Detachment, was presented with the certificate at a ceremony at the Territorial Army Centre in Newton Aycliffe.

RSM Rowland, 58, joined up as a cadet in 1957 at 13 and rose to the rank of cadet sergeant.

He began his service as an adult instructor in October 1965 and was promoted to RSM in 1976, when he was also awarded a Certificate of Good Service.

For the past ten years RSM Rowland has been the detachment commander of Ushaw Moor Detachment.

He has received the Cadet Force Medal and the first and second clasp, and was awarded the MBE in 1998 in recognition of his service to youth organisations in his local community.

Major Brian Kitching said: "We are extremely proud of Dennis and I can honestly say that it is a well deserved award, he invariably leads from the front.

"His enthusiasm, ability to set a good example and leadership talent makes him an exemplary member of the Army Cadet Force and a deserving recipient of the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Good Service."

Durham Army Cadet Force is looking for adult instructors. No experience is necessary as training is given.

For details call Major Steve Ramsey on 0191-388 2351.