A BOLTON man, who has dedicated 43 years of his life to the Sea Cadets, has been awarded a top honour.

David T McKee, from Fryent Close, Blackrod, is a Lieutenant Commander in the Sea Cadet Corps. He was presented with the Sea Cadet Medal by Admiral Sir Alan West KCB DSC, Commander in Chief Fleet, in London.

The award -- one of only four awarded annually -- has been given for Mr McKee's "sustained record of achievement to the Sea Cadet movement."

He started his service as a cadet in the Bolton unit at the age of 12, and, from the age of 18, has been a dedicated and well-respected uniformed member of the Corps.

He has held several posts, and was the Commanding Officer at the Bolton Sea Cadet unit for 10 years before becoming the Assistant District Officer for Training in the North-east Lancashire district in 1998.

He also holds a North-west area staff post in the Electrical Branch and offers help and advice to staff across the area. He also coaches cadets in the National Bisley competition, which is an annual 10-day event with cadets from units throughout the country.

Commented a Sea Cadets spokesman:"This honour was the culmination of his dedication to the service of youth. There are many children from the age of 10 and adults within the town of Bolton who have benefited from his experience and guidance to becoming good citizens in the community."