A CADET commander was recognised for outstanding service to the force after being nominated by one of his unit.

Rob Hitching, contingent commander of the combined cadet force (CCF) at Bancroft’s, received the GL RFCA award for the most outstanding combined cadet force contingent commander 2017.

Major Hitching, who has served as the Woodford Green school’s contingent commander for a decade, was nominated by SSI Damien Pascal.

SSI Pascal says: “Major Hitching is determined to ensure that cadets get the very best experience that can be squeezed into a school calendar.

“He will always also go that extra mile to ensure the programme is full and exciting.”

The event was held at the Army Reserve Training Centre in Bloomsbury, central London on Thursday, March 15. The award was presented to Major Hitching by the Lord Lieutenant of London, Sir Ken Olisa OBE.

Ben Harris, a year 13 student at Bancroft’s and contingent sergeant major says: “I think it’s fair to say that my years in the CCF would not have been half as good without Major Hitching. 

“He has always been supportive of all the cadets and helped them to get the most out of the CCF calendar. 

“Major Hitching is the driving force and without him it would not be possible. His award is well deserved.”

Major Hitching is also housemaster with pastoral responsibility for 200 pupils. He teaches geography and politics.