A HARDENHUISH School pupil has been awarded one of the highest individual honours available to an air cadet for her work teaching youngsters in her squadron and flying ability.

Lauren Simms, who currently attends 992 Malmesbury Squadron, received the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Flying Excellence Award last week at a ceremony in London after beating cadets from across the country.

As well as claiming the award, the 17-year-old was also awarded with a substantial bursary which will go towards developing her piloting skills as she attempts to gain a private pilot’s licence.

“The award came as a complete surprise,” said Lauren, who is head girl at Hardenhuish and plans to join her local university air squadron (UAS) once the leaves.

“I attended the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme at Tayside Aviation earlier this year, but unfortunately didn’t quite make solo standard, so I thought I wouldn’t be offered any further funding through my cadet career.

“I was delighted when I heard I’d been nominated and then went on to win the award. I feel privileged to have my name added to the trophy and am so grateful as this money should ensure that I can reach solo standard and beyond.”

Lauren has been part of the 992 Malmesbury Squadron since October 2012 and was has been the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Wiltshire over the past year.

She added: “I’ve recently taken more of a mentoring role on the squadron, helping to teach younger cadets the BTEC in Aviation Studies, enabling me to pass on my knowledge and experience of aviation related subjects.”