A teenage dyslexic air cadet described by his squadron leader as a “excellent example to everybody” has been nominated for a London role model award.

Harry Chavner, of Parkland Road, Woodford Green, was nominated for London Young People of the Year, with the award ceremony to be held at Queen Mary University later this year.

He is the highest rank of cadet, a warrant officer, at 241 Wanstead and Woodford Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC).

The 19-year-old, who has been a cadet since he was 13, was nominated by squadron leader Jerry Godden, who commands the squadron, which meets in Finchfield Avenue, Woodford Green.

Harry is in charge of the training programme of around 100 boys and girls aged 13 to 20.

Mr Godden said: “He's a big lad but that does not stop him fully participating in all the activities that the squadron does.

“He has to push that little bit harder on some of the physical activities, but he keeps up and does not let that defeat him.

“He's very much a leader in everything that he does in the squadron, including setting examples of keenness and enthusiasm and all the usual attributes, including turnout on parade.

“He is extremely reliable. I don't have to monitor him. I give him a task and he gets on with it and he can be more reliable with jobs than some of the adult staff.

“He works hard and is an excellent example to everybody.”

Harry said he joined the ATC because his two older brothers were already involved and his parents suggested he should join too. 

He said: “I went, enjoyed it and am still there. 

“When I'm 20 in January I shall be transferring to the adult staff.

“The ATC is fantastic, I get a lot of enjoyment out of it and the different activities, I have made new friends.”