Plymouth teenager leads Cornwall army cadet class

A 13-year-old Plymouth boy has won the best student award in an army cadet training scheme.

Kyle Holden came top of the class out of about 30 others at the Cornwall Army Cadet Force Outreach programme.

It offers low achievers the chance to take part in a five-day course at St Mawgan in Cornwall.

The programme offers youngster across the county challenging activities, such as abseiling, with the aim of building character and self-belief.

Lieut Colin Charters, of Cornwall Army Cadet Force said: "Generally speaking they will be students that the schools have some concerns about, whether it's low self esteem or behavioural issues."

Kyle, who is dyslexic, admits he has anger management issues.

He said: "Now I try not be angry with people and speak to them rather than shouting at them."

Colin Farrant of Torpoint Community College said: "I'm really pleased for him. Kyle was one of the commanders of the unit.

"He rose to the challenge and turned out to be a superb leader."

Last year 21 army cadet forces around the country ran similar outreach programmes.

According to the cadet forces, 92% of participants who had police warnings did not reoffend within nine months of completing the project.