ARMY Cadets from across Oxfordshire were awarded BTEC qualifications at a ceremony in their honour.

The 13 cadets received certificates equivalent to four GCSEs at grade A to C in subjects such as music and public services.

Four Army Cadet Force Officers and adult instructors were also awarded medals.

As part of the training, which is considered more practical in nature than GCSEs, the cadets learned interview techniques and led expeditions.

They also studied fitness and wellbeing.

At a ceremony at Oxford Town Hall the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Mary Clarkson, presented the cadets with their BTEC Certificates and the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson, presented the adult officers and instructors with Cadet Force Medals and Clasps.

Josh Thorpe, 17, of Robsart Place, Cumnor, received a merit in his public services BTEC.

He said: “My qualification involves most of the stuff I had learnt during two or three years in the cadets so for me it was an easy transition.

“I want to join the Army in the infantry so for me it’s been such a help – and I would recommend it to others.”

Stephanie Pinker, of Brambling Way, Blackbird Leys, received a BTEC in music and another in public services.

The 18-year-old said: “The BTECs are great for people who don’t suit tests but still gives them an equivalent GCSE qualification.”

Lt Colonel Guy Horridge said: “The BTEC programme is yet another example of how we strive to give cadets the edge they need to get ahead.”

Cadets: * George East – Public Services Btec, Distinction * Lucy Wallington – Public Services, Distinction * Mark Thompson – Public Services, Merit * Alexander Angell – Public Services, Merit * Steven Taylor – Public Services, Distinction * James Bendon – Public Services, Merit * Stephanie Pinker – Public Services and Music, Merit (two awards) * Melissa Layden – Public Services, Merit

Adult Instructors * Major Alan Hames – Clasp for his Cadet Force Medal * Major Stanley Charles – Clasp for his Cadet Force Medal * Lieutenant Andrew MacDonald – Cadet Force Medal l Lieutenant Peter Williams – Cadet Force Medal and promoted to Lieutenant