A cadet's dedication to his unit has been recognised and he has won a highly coveted Diana Award.

The accolade, inspired by and named after Diana Princess of Wales, is the highest praise a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts and it has been awarded to Michael Saunderson, from Dover.

The Flight Sergeant, 18, of Astor College Combined Cadet Force received the honour yesterday (Wednesday, July 1) during a virtual ceremony which included a speech from the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry.

Flt Sgt Saunderson was among 184 people to be recognised for going above and beyond in their daily life to create and sustain positive change.

"Flt Sgt Saunderson told Kentonline: "I found out about the nomination about six weeks ago. I got an email through.

"Some of the cadets helped with the nomination and they wrote a statement about me and then my contingent commander Tara Young let me know I had become a recipient of the award.

"It was quite unexpected to be honest. I do it because I enjoy it but I don't expect the recognition."

"It shows a huge example of his maturity. His stability through the changes made him a mentor to the cadets and he looked to shape and mould the next generation..."

Mum and dad Phyllippa and David are proud of their son's achievements, not least because he is a carer at home where they both have mobility problems.

Mrs Saunderson said: "He is an actual diamond. He works hard at school and now college, if I need help with anything - shopping, washing, cooking the dinner, he does it without arguing which is quite rare for a boy his age.

"Throughout all this he has maintained friendships and kept up with his his commitments at cadets. He is a mentor for the cadets. He is very well respected."

Dad David said: "Michael is completely unassuming. He doesn't realise how good he is in everything he does."

Squadron leader Tara Young made the nomination. She said: "We are absolutely over the moon, bursting with pride.

"He spent seven years with us and it seemed the right thing to do to recognise all he does going above and beyond."

She explained how Flt Sgt Saunderson blossomed as the unit encountered a raft of challenges. These trials include a change in leadership and moving to numerous locations within the school, where their original hut flooded.

Through this time he stepped up to provide adult-level support to the running of the squadron and guided the cadets through the changes, providing mentoring that has been emulated by the next generation of cadets.

She said: "Michael has been invaluable. He came though the school system and then when he left school to do mechanics course at the Technical College he would still come in and do adult administrative duties - preparing uniforms for cadets, training aids for lessons, adminstering the training programme and helping with administrative duties, freeing me up to keep the unit flowing.

"It shows a huge example of his maturity. His stability through the changes made him a mentor to the cadets and he looked to shape and mould the next generation. He was a conduit between younger and senior cadets and management.

"He has created a legacy within the cadets at the school who look to emulate him.

This maturity has been passed on to others including the next cadet, Lily-Mae Parkinson, who has just left year 11, and has been announced as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.

The Diana Awards are supported by Princess Diana's sons and Prince Harry gave a talk during the ceremony.

The Vamps star James McVey hosted the awards, which saw support from a host of celebrities who honoured young changemakers from all over the globe. Virtually presenting and surprising the young people for their work were Ade Adepitan MBE, Aisling Bea, Katie Boulter, YolanDa Brown, Miranda Hart, Steph McGovern, James McVey, Liam Payne, Will Poulter, Ashley Singh, Dan Smith - Bastille, Cel Spellman, Dame Emma Thompson DBE, Sam and Mark, Hacker the Dog.

The names of those recognised were scrolled across the screen.

Flt Sgt Sanderson's certificate will be posted to him.

To read about the Armed Forces and how they have served Kent and beyond, click here.

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