A Sea Cadet stalwart who has been involved with the organisation since 1970 has been honoured for the care and support he has provided to members over the years.
Padre Michael Leigh Pearson, unit chaplain to the Beccles Sea Cadet unit, has been awarded the Sea Cadet Medal.
The 86-year-old was awarded the medal by the Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps, Captain Neil Downing, for especially meritorious service to the Sea Cadet movement.
It was said the award reflects Mr Pearson's dedication to supporting cadets and volunteers for over 50 years.
Mr Pearson was a cadet with the Combined Cadet Force in 1949 and he went on to join the Royal Navy for 10 years, serving with both navy and Royal Marines units as a sick berth attendant.
He joined the Sea Cadet Corps in 1970 and has held wide-ranging unit, district and area roles in the eastern area as a commanding officer, a district officer and as the area chaplain.
His service also includes roles in the wider armed forces family, as padre to the Beccles branch of the Royal Naval Association, the Fleet Air Arm Association, and the regional Royal Marines Association.
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A statement from the Beccles Sea Cadet said: "He has devoted himself to the wellbeing and development of young people and offered invaluable pastoral support to his fellow volunteers in the organisation.
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"All have benefitted from his compassion, giving up his time to conduct funeral services for veterans across East Anglia."
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Captain Downing offered "his sincerest thanks and warmest congratulations on an award that has been earned with such distinction" and praised Mr Pearson's "immense contribution which has had a significant beneficial impact on so many people, of all ages, within the Sea Cadet Corps".
The unit's commanding officer, Sub Lieutenant Michael Brown, said that the award was "truly well deserved for a lifetime of service".
Beccles Sea Cadets is based in Fen Lane, Beccles and offers exciting opportunities for young people aged nine to 18. For more information email info@becclesseacadets.uk or call 01502 711858.
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