'˜Inspirational' leader of Batley cadet detachment given special honour

Terry Yates, 58, has volunteered with the Army Cadets organisation since leaving the forces in 2005, and is now detachment commander of the Batley unit.

His 20-year service career inspired him to work with teenagers. and he has overseen a huge growth in numbers at the unit as well as taking charge of adult development in West Yorkshire.

He and other dedicated cadet leaders were given the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate - one of the highest military honours - by the Queen’s representative at Carlton Barracks in Leeds. The award recognises outstanding service and sits just below the MBE.

Terry, who now works as a tutor for a training company, completed tours of the Falklands and Northern Ireland with the Parachute Regiment. He took charge of the Batley unit just three years after joining.

“I feel very humbled and honoured to have simply been put forward for this award. To have received it from the Lord-Lieutenant will be an occasion I’ll never forget and I’d just like to thank everyone in the ACF, and my family, for their support. It is an enormous privilege to continue helping young people, from all walks of life, and to be recognised in this way is a great honour,” said Terry, who also mentors disadvantaged youngsters.

His recommendation for the award described how Terry had ‘demonstrated his ability to inspire and motivate young people’ and that he ‘established Batley detachment as a beacon for high standards and best practice.’ The citation went on to say:-

‘He has continued to work tirelessly in his role, with a selflessness and devotion to duty that continues to inspire and motivate all his staff. Additionally, Terry has taken on the demanding role as a member of the outreach team, motivating challenging and disadvantaged young people. Terry exemplifies the values of integrity, selfless commitment and service to others and goes above and beyond the duties expected of him.’

He received his honour from Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

Colonel Snagge from the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association paid tribute to Terry.

“Without the selfless commitment of many hundreds of volunteers across the region who give up their time outside of working hours the cadets, and reserve forces, simply couldn’t exist. I am delighted that Terry’s service have been commemorated in this way and he will continue to make a great difference,”