SHROPSHIRE'S Lord Lieutenant has embraced the world of technology to continue one of the highlights of her official calender year – the appointment of the Lord Lieutenant Cadet.

Anna Turner, from Whitchurch, is in her second year as the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, but with all royal appointments on hold because of Covid-19, she has still managed to engage with the community and provide hands-on support to a number of charities across the region.

The appointment of the Lord Lieutenant Cadet is one of the most prestigious a cadet can be honoured with in recognition to their outstanding service and commitment, and is seen as an aide and a representative of the cadet forces across the region when a member of the Royal family visits Shropshire.

The appointments are normally held in April in a private ceremony at Shrewsbury Castle; however because of the pandemic, that ceremony was cancelled.

To celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, Mrs Turner made UK history with the first virtual appointment of her cadets in anticipation to return to normality and hopefully a return to Royal visits in the near not too distant future.

She admitted she was delighted to take the ceremony online. She added: “I love hearing about the cadets and your dedication, what better way to spend your time advancing your career.

"Being a cadet is a hugely positive experience and I see the benefits and the opportunities it gives you, it gives you a head start above others.”

Shropshire ACF Commandant, Colonel Gary Newbrook, added: “We have worked extremely hard to engage with our cadets virtually during this pandemic.

"In regards to engagement, we thought it is especially important to mark this special occasion and more importantly achievements, hence this first national virtual presentation for the Lord Lieutenant Cadet.

"As ever this year’s nominations were extremely high, which was very clear as each cadet’s citation was read out to the Lord Lieutenant in their visits official meeting."

This year’s cadets were Cadet Sgt Abby Rooney, also from Whitchurch representing the Army Cadet Force, Able Cadet Charli Watkin from Telford representing the Sea Cadets and Cadet Sergeant Isabella Rennision from Telford, representing the Air Cadets (CCF).

All the cadets can now wear their distinctive badge of appointment to denote their roles.