A MATHS teacher who volunteers with the air cadets has been honoured by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire.

Gavin Roberts, head of mathematics at Beamont Collegiate Academy, has received Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.

The 31-year-old joined 70 Croft and Culcheth Squadron Air Cadets as a civilian instructor in July 2011, before being commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Training Branch in 2013 and appointed commanding officer of the 1330 Warrington Squadron.

In his role, he designs and delivers courses to better equip adult air cadet volunteers with skills to fulfil their roles.

More than 300 volunteers have participated in Gavin’s training programmes so far.

Now, the squadron leader has been honoured in the annual Lord Lieutenant’s Awards for Cheshire.

Gavin, who lives in Newton le Willows, said: “I am very proud to have received this award in front of my family.

“I have always had and maintain a passion for developing people – it is something I take great pleasure in and not something I expected to be commended for.

“To me this is a real achievement and recognition of the work and impact of my team.”

Lord Lieutenant for Cheshire David Briggs presented Gavin with his award in a ceremony at Chester Town Hall.

Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, added: “The Lord Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment and dedication of the men and women who serve in our nation’s reserve forces.

“We also recognise the achievements of the young people and adults who are members of the cadet organisations.

“The cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel.

“We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated adult volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy.”