A Keighley air cadet is on cloud nine after receiving his movement’s top accolade.

Jonathan Snowden has been appointed the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for West Yorkshire.

The ambassadorial role will involve him representing and promoting air cadets across the county.

Jonathan, 19, a warrant officer with the 2431 (Keighley) Squadron, received a certificate marking his appointment from the Lord Lieutenant, Dr Ingrid Roscoe.

He said: “I’m ecstatic to be presented with the award.

“It’s such an honour to think I’ve been selected from all the air cadets in West Yorkshire.

“I’ll certainly aim to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability, and hopefully provide inspiration to all the other air cadets in the county.”

Jonathan has been with the Keighley squadron for six years.

He has excelled in paragliding and gliding – flying solo for the first time last year – and recently qualified as a fieldcraft instructor, was instrumental in getting the squadron Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme running and is active in the community.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Bleas-dale, deputy chief executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associa-tion in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The Lord Lieutenant’s certificate is a prestigious award that recognises cadets who have performed above expectations.

“I’m delighted for Jonathan, who is a shining example of what can be achieved when young people involve themselves in extra-curricular activities.”