The head of the Cadets in Powys has said he was shocked to get an MBE in the new years honours.

Major Derek Munro started work with the Army Cadet Force (ACF) with Dyfed ACF in May 2002 as the Cadet Quartermaster before becoming Cadet Executive Officer for Glamorgan ACF for three years before returning to Powys ACF in 2007.

He also took on the Gwent cadets in 2009.

He has been credited with modernising the service in Wales – but still said he was shocked to receive the accolade.

“I received the award from the Cabinet Office via email, so initially I thought it was a hoax until I had read through the whole email and attached letter thoroughly,” said Major Munro.

“My initial reaction was shock I suppose, I never thought that I would be recognised in such a way for doing a job that I love doing.”

“I’m still a bit in shock but massively honoured, privileged and humbled to have been recognised in such a way.”

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Maj Munro said he has found his work with the Cadets incredibly worthwhile.

“Everything to do with the Army Cadet Force is rewarding," he added.

“There are three elements to any Army Cadet Force, the uniformed and non-uniformed volunteer, the Cadet and the professional support staff – which I lead.

“When all those elements work in synergy then that is my true reward, the end result is a motivated all round team that ensures that the Cadet experience is the best that can be offered.”

Maj Munro was praised for his work throughout the pandemic where “his innovative solutions ensured that cadet wellbeing and training opportunities were maintained”.

As the designated child safeguarding officer for his region he was praised for being “proven to be genuinely available ‘24/7’, again well beyond the support expected.”

Maj Munro has also been praised for reform he has made to the service in Wales which have made savings of over £100,000.

“I was instrumental in the decision making of where the Army Cadet Force is now in Wales, which is a far more modern MOD Sponsored Youth Organisation that will flourish in the years to come,” said Maj Munro.

“In 2008, there were six Army Cadet Forces in Wales, we were requested by the Army Chain of Command to see if we could do things better without savings measures being out in place.

“Wales were the only ACFs that moved on this and are now better placed to take on the challenges going forward.

“Needless to say we are in a very good place to build post pandemic and still be a force for good within all the communities in Wales.”