Leader rewarded for work with cadets

A youth leader at a Stourbridge school has been commended for his work with cadets.

Paul Paternotte, who is the school staff instructor for Old Swinford Hospital School's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) group, was recognised at a national graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, last week. The warrant officer gained a Licentiateship – the equivalent of a foundation degree in Youth Leadership and Training. He received his award from Admiral the Lord West of Spithead.

The 38-year-old also teaches climbing for the Dudley Schools Partnership and is a boarding tutor for Year 9 pupils.

He started as a cadet when he was nine and at 16 joined the Household Cavalry, where he spent 15 years. Mr Paternotte has served in the first Gulf War, Cyprus, Germany, Egypt, Norway and Bosnia three times.

He also performed ceremonial duties at Knightsbridge for the Queen and was a prison officer for four years. He is one of 86 adult volunteers from the Ministry of Defence's sponsored cadet forces in the UK to get the award. Headmaster of Old Swinford Hospital School, Peter Jones, said: "I am delighted for Paul Paternotte. He has obviously worked extremely hard and this has been recognised. CCF provides opportunities for pupils to develop practical and leadership skills."

He added that the number of cadets had risen from 125 to 160 since Mr Paternotte started leading the group.