AN air cadet from Wyre Piddle, near Pershore is in line for a place on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to South Africa.

James Rowberry, a member of the 233 (Pershore) Squadron Air Training Corps, was one of 30 cadets who took part in a selection event in Somerset last week.

Ten out of the 30 will win a place on the two-week expedition in July, but the names of the winning cadets will not be announced until the beginning of May.

And one will be crowned the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award winner for 2017 at a ceremony in the House of Lords on June 29.

James, aged 18, was awarded the Young Good Citizen Award, by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner this year.

On the agenda for the four-day event in the heart of the Quantock Hills were physical team-building tasks, challenging group debates, strategy tests and interviews, designed to test the young people’s leadership and management skills.

The event was organised by education charity CVQO and took place at Outposts Adventure Specialists, near Taunton in Somerset.

James said: “I was hugely surprised to have been selected and if I get to South Africa then that’ll be a fantastic bonus.”

Guy Horridge, chief executive of CVQO, said: "The award is not about who comes first or finishes quickest; it is about demonstrating teamwork, determination and selflessness.

“We know the young people who have been nominated are great cadets. The award exists to recognise what they have done for their local communities, their families and friends. For example, do they volunteer regularly? Have they had to overcome a personal challenge?

"We are looking for those young people who are working hard to achieve their aspirations, overcoming whatever life has thrown at them, building a resilience and determination to succeed. The standard, as ever, is very high this year.”

Those who win a place on the South Africa expedition will be working with local schools, taking part in an environmental awareness programme and learning about the country's history.