A WILTSHIRE 17-year-old has finally been presented with a Certificate of Honour at the Palace of Westminster after being given a British Citizen Youth Award.

Katie Bradbeer, from Westbury, received the BCyA medal by courier last November because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award is now in its fifth year and recognises exceptional under 18s who have have had a positive effect on their communities.

For the last four years, Katie has been a dedicated member of the Combined Cadet Force at Matravers School in Westbury.

She is one of 120 in the unit and she oversees their learning by supporting those junior to her in rank, helping to ensure all activities are engaging and fun and making the cadets feel like they are part of one big family.

Katie, of Bremeridge Road, Westbury,head girl at Matravers, said: “It makes the hard work I have put into the CCF at Matravers all the more worth it.”

Within Westbury, 33 per cent of children are living in poverty and 35 per cent of people aged between 16-25 have no formal qualifications.

At her local youth network and at Westbury Town Council meetings, she has spoken on behalf of those young people who are not confident enough to voice their ideas.

In a statement BCyA said: “Due to the disadvantage gap in Westbury, Katie assisted staff to secure bursaries for cadets who fall into this category.

“She has written bursary applications requesting up to £200 per cadet, so that they can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and attend camps, where they can make new friends, learn new skills, and participate in activities.

“Katie is dedicated to improving the lives of others and her consideration for others’ wellbeing is an inspiration.

“She sets an example for others to follow, encouraging compassion and a sense of belonging to the CCF family and wider community.”

Twenty-five young people from across the UK were awarded on the 2020 Roll of Honour.

Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of sponsors Specsavers, says: “The British Citizen Youth Award recipients are very special individuals.

“These young people all go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit with no thought or expectation of praise or reward.

“These awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on what they do and give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve. They are the nation’s true unsung heroes and the rising stars of the future.”

Each medal bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually.”

The award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavour.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 medal presentations. Register online at britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.