Cadet Warrant Officer Matthew Evans has been named as the best male cadet in Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing of the Air Training Corps.

Matthew joined 8F, (1st City of Coventry) Squadron in 2001, aged 13 and his five years of effort and commitment see him gain the title from the 1000 cadets in the Wing.

Matthew, now aged 18, is a key member of 8F squadron and assists with the training and development of the junior cadets. He has had a very active career in the Air Cadets but the last 12 months have been full of achievements for him.

Having already gained his BTEC award in aviation studies and his Millennium Volunteers 200 hour Award of Excellence, Matthew kick started his year with selection to attend a Nordic Skiing Course in Bavaria, Germany. He then completed a Gliding Scholarship, flying solo from RAF Little Rissington, spent a week in Gibraltar, gained his Amateur Radio Licence and has just completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The head boy at his school, Nicholas Chamberlain in Bedworth, Matthew said, “the last year has been like a whirlwind. I never dreamt when I joined the Air Cadets that I would achieve so much. The opportunities are fantastic and now I have been named as the best cadet in Warwickshire & Birmingham for enjoying myself.”

The Commanding Officer of 8F Squadron, Flt Lt Steve Jenkins spoke of his pride, “Matthew’s career shows what can be achieved in the ATC and what opportunities are available. I am very proud to have Cadet Warrant Officer Evans on my squadron and he is a credit to his family and to Coventry”.

Matthew is currently taking his A-levels in English Language, French & Drama and intends to go to University in September with his ultimate aim being to join the RAF as a Linguist.