A BIRCHWOOD cadet is competing with 25 others to be chosen as a national finalist in the Duke of Westminster Award.

Callum Thompson, a member of the 70 Croft and Culcheth Air Training Corps, will face a challenging four-day selection event in Somerset.

The 18-year-old hopes to among the nine finalists picked for a two-week expedition to South Africa in July.

One of the cadets will also be crowned the overall Duke of Westminster Award winner for 2015 at the House of Lords ceremony on June 30.

On the agenda for the selection event in the Quantock Hills are physical team-building tasks, group debates, strategy tests and Apprentice-style interviews.

Callum, from Oakwood, will also have to complete an Institute of Leadership and Management qualification.

He said: "I was totally ecstatic to be chosen as one of the final 24 and when my family found out, they started doing some research and realised what a big achievement it was.

"I think this will help me become more of a well-rounded individual and I'm really looking forward to it. The South Africa trip would be absolutely incredible too."

Guy Horridge, chief executive of UK education charity CVQO, added: "The CVQO Duke of Westminster Award is not just about being a great cadet.

"It is about recognising and rewarding young people who become valuable members of their communities and who show a willingness selflessly to help others.

"CVQO is also looking for those young people who are working hard to achieve their aspirations, perhaps overcoming personal challenges and difficulties that life has thrown at them, building a resilience and determination to succeed."

If Callum wins a place on the South Africa expedition he will be working with schools, taking part in an environmental awareness programme and learning about the country's history.