A TEENAGE soldier-to-be is already proving a force to be reckoned with.

Lee Matthews, 17, who is a cadet sergeant major with the Cleveland Army Cadet Force, has been named Cadet of the Year.

Sir Paul Nicholson, the Lord Lieutenant of Durham, has appointed Lee as his Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.

The youngster was selected for the role for "his outstanding contribution to the aims and spirit of the Army Cadet Force''.

Lee is a cadet with a Royal Engineers detachment at Norton, where he lives with his parents and a brother.

A student at Stockton Sixth Form College, he has his sights set on a commission in the regular Army, after sitting his A-levels and plans to go to university.

Royal Engineers detachment commander, Lieutenant Darren Hunter said: "We are immensely proud of Lee and this honour, which is well deserved.

"He is a smart cadet and natural leader who will be a credit to Cleveland Army Cadet Force.''

Cleveland Army Cadet Force is looking for cadets to train as Lord Lieutenants Cadets.

It is also hoping to find more adults to train the cadets.

Anyone who wants further details is asked to ring Major Andy Shaw on (01642) 242414, extension 21.