Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Lewis Waude, 18, from Horden has been chosen as one of 26 cadet ambassadors to take part in the national launch of Cadet 150 – a year of celebrations marking the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Cadet Force.

Lewis, a pupil of Byron Sixth Form, part of St Bede's Catholic Comprehensive School, Peterlee, was one of seven Army Cadets, six Sea Cadets, seven Air Cadets and six cadets from the Combined Cadet Force who travelled from every corner of the UK for a series of events.

Lewis, a member of Durham Army Cadet Force's Horden detachment, had an audience at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

He also took the opportunity to shake hands with her majesty and tell her about his plans for Cadet150. He then visited the Ministry of Defence for a lunch with officials.

After lunch, Lewis and the other cadets walked to Downing Street to have their photo taken outside No 10.

Lewis said: "I had some of the best bits of my life crammed into one day
"Meeting the Queen was a great honour and I couldn't believe how big 10 Downing Street was – it was massive, a real Tardis.

"I was really proud to be selected for this – it was a great achievement."

From the Cabinet Room the party moved to No 11 Downing Street where Mrs Maggie Darling, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, welcomed them and showed them around the Chancellor's residence.

Lewis was then invited to an evening reception at Lancaster House.
General Secretary of the Army Cadet Force Association, Brigadier Mike Wharmby, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of this fantastic movement. The Cadet Forces offer such great opportunities for thousands of young people across the UK."

Further information about the Cadet150 celebrations in 2010 can be found at www.cadet150.org