Ashley is top cadet

He joined the Bexhill branch of the Air Training Corps at 13 to start on making the dream a reality.

He did so well that he reached the top and was awarded Cadet Of The Year by the Lord Lieutenant on Sussex and is now completing his duties in that role.

Ashley, 19, has for the last year attended public events with the Lord Lieutenant such as the 75th Anniversary of the De La Warr Pavilion, the veterans' parade in Egerton Park, and he has even been to Buckingham Palace for tea.

He will soon be going to St Mary's in Wrestwood Road for a visit by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and he has also recently completed his Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold.

Ashley, of Beacon Hill, went to St Peter and St Paul primary school, followed by Bexhill High then Bexhill College, and is taking a year out before joining the Royal Air Force.

Mum Hayley said: "His dream is to be a pilot in the RAF. That is all he has wanted since he was 11, it is all he has thought of. And he has done just about everying - we are very proud of what he has done and achieved in this short time, and is now giving back...he has lots of climbing awards and now he can teach climbing and take groups out, so he is giving back now as well.

"As a parent I would say that even if youngsters don't want to go into the RAF, joining the Air Training Corps is such good discipline for them - it gets them off the streets and gives them a focus."