ARMY cadets as young as 12 lined up next to Second World War veterans to welcome the Government minister responsible for South East England to Carterton.

Jonathan Shaw visited the town yesterday as part of the run-up to Britain’s first Armed Forces day today.

He was welcomed by members of the Army Cadet Force, the Royal British Legion, representatives of RAF Brize Norton and Carterton’s mayor, Maxine Crossland.

Mr Shaw said: “I’m delighted to be in Carterton. I think the display that was put on – particularly by the young people and the veterans – is fantastic.

“Obviously, there’s a very special relationship with the air force here, but other places I have visited also feel a great affection for our armed forces.

“I think it’s right we have this special day, that will now become an annual event.”

The minister was shown an exhibition, put on by Carterton Community College, by community director for engineering Graham Speke and pupil Mark Eales, 11.

He was then treated to tea and cakes in the town hall.

Mrs Crossland said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome the minister to join us for this wonderful new idea.

“Carterton has always supported its armed forces. We enjoy good relations with our neighbours on the base.”

Lt Nathan Baigent, of the army cadet detachment, said: “It’s good they have recognised the cause with a high-profile person and to get the message out to everybody, as it’s a worthwhile day.”

For Lance Corporal Zarif Maih, 16, the event was his first as the Mayor’s Cadet.

He said: “I chatted to the minister about how I got the Mayor’s Cadet role and how long I have been in the Army Cadet Force. I feel quite honoured.”

Mike Bulley, an RBL and Royal Air Forces Association member, said: “I think we’re quite honoured really and we have done our best.”

Wing Commander Catherine Coton, of RAF Brize Norton, said: “It’s really nice of him to come along to mark our first Armed Forces Day.

“I think it means a lot to the service people who deploy out of Brize Norton to have the general public’s support.”

See Monday’s Oxford Mail for a round-up of Armed Forces Day events in the county.