An army officer from St Leonards has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the King's New Year's Honours.

Shaun Pelling, Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) for Headquarters South East Army Cadet Force was recognised for his voluntary service to young people.

He said: “I’m the only individual in the wider cadet force family that 'do what we do', so to be singled out is extremely humbling.

"None of this could have happened without the unwavering support of my wife and family, with our sons also enjoying a full period as cadets, including our middle son also serving in the RLC.”

Shaun joined the Army after he left school, serving in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC).

He was a Cadet with Sussex ACF (No.3 Hastings Detachment) from 1972 to 1977, achieving 3* Cadet CSM, which refers to the 3 Star training level required for promotion to the rank of Cadet Sergeant.

On leaving the Army, he became a qualified carpenter and was a managing director for 15 years He is currently a site manager within the construction industry.

Shaun has been working with the Cadet Force since the early 1990s, often as an instructor.

In 1997 he was responsible for coordinating with local Reserve Forces, Cadet Units and youth organisations in support of the late Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Hastings.

Since 2021 Shaun has been the regional Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for the Headquarters South East Army Cadet Force.

He said: "Being the first Regional RSM appointed it has been and continues to be a great honour to be developing and establishing the position. This role has allowed me to interact with the wider cadet movement, with my focus being a supporting and developing role for both cadets and CFAVs (Cadet Force Adult Volunteers) alike."