A dad who has volunteered for the Army Cadet Force (ACF) for almost 40 years has received another long-service award.

Captain Rob Wood, who lives in Gillingham, has been an adult volunteer (CFAV) for 36 years.

He was already in possession of a Cadet Forces Medal recognising his 12 years with the organisation and, with an additional bar being awarded every six years, he has now received a fourth bar.

Capt Wood was a cadet from the ages of 13 to 17 and served in the regular Royal Engineers for 11 years, as well as in the TA Royal Signals for one year.

His two sons are also both adult instructors in Kent ACF.

He has a particular passion for helping youngsters with their Duke of Edinburgh awards and is the county DofE officer, helping young people who are unable to access DofE through the normal route.

Captain Wood said: "As a regular soldier I attended as many annual and weekend camps as possible when I was in the UK.

"It was a natural move back to the ACF during my last two years of service and straight on as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer as soon as I left.

"I have specialised in the non-uniformed aspects of the organisation, such as expeditions and adventurous training.

"These subjects allow us to give the cadets personal challenges outside of the military syllabus.

"My main role as the Duke of Edinburgh's officer allows me to facilitate the cadets in gaining an accreditation recognised by employers, through a challenging self-development programme.

"All the above gives me a pink and fluffy feeling of self-worth, otherwise I wouldn’t still be doing it.

"I would like to congratulate and thank him for his loyal service and unerring dedication to both the organisation and the young people across the county who have benefited from his experience under his charge..."

"As for adults, I would say find your enjoyment subject and get yourself qualified so you can then pass on the knowledge and experience to cadets who share your enjoyment of the subject, whilst still enjoying what you do."

Among Capt Wood's achievements is arranging an all-terrain wheelchair so a cadet could complete their whole expedition with their friends.

He has also attended a number of DofE presentations at Buckingham Palace and met the late Duke of Edinburgh and the Earl of Wessex.

Capt Wood is a HGV and PCV driver for Babcock Defence at Brompton Barracks and drives all types of civilian and military vehicles and equipment to help with Royal Engineer soldiers' training.

Commandant of Kent ACF, Colonel Richard Long, acknowledged his remarkable career with the ACF and his influence on young people's lives.

He said: "I would like to congratulate and thank him for his loyal service and unerring dedication to both the organisation and the young people across the county who have benefited from his experience under his charge."