A CADET from Malvern College has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Duke of Westminster competition.

18 year-old Corporal Amy Elias of Malvern College CCF is among nine young people to take part in a three week adventure in South Africa.

The overall winner of the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award will be announced at the awards lunch at the House of Lords on Thursday, June 26.

The regional finalists were handpicked from over 400 initial cadet nominees and the number of regional finalists competing increased from 21 to 24 this year, making the challenge to secure a sought-after place in the final nine even greater.

The finalists took part in a challenging four-day selection event in the Quantock Hills, Somerset which tested their communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Tasks included attempting to balance each group on a giant see-saw through to creating an evacuation plan from a country facing a hostile invasion and racing to completing a gun-run challenge.

The cadets earning a CVQO-led Level 3 qualification in Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) in the process.

Amy and the other eight national finalists will undertake environmental and social projects during the trip to South Africa.

Amy said: "I've had such a great time meeting everyone.

"I have always enjoyed exploring so getting to South Africa would be an amazing opportunity".

Guy Horridge, CVQO Chief Executive, said: "This year's selection event has been the closest run contest so far, with some excellent cadets making it through to the final 24 in Somerset.

"We are confident that the lucky nine will have a fantastic experience in South Africa and wish them the very best of luck with the expedition."