Exclusive by Alan Quick

TWO Crediton Army Cadets have been presented with Devon Army Cadet Force Certificates of Commendation for their bravery in dealing with a potentially dangerous situation.

It was while walking home from a regular Crediton Army Cadet Force training evening in January 2017 that Cadet Danny Huntroyd (16) was accosted by a drunk, aggressive and violent man near Lloyds Bank in Crediton High Street.

The abusive man saluted Cadet Huntroyd and continued with antagonising him, shouting and swearing at him.

Cadet Jack Lewis (15) was following Cadet Huntroyd up the pavement, also on his way home, when he saw the confrontation taking place.

Cadet Lewis ran to the Crediton Tesco Express to summon the assistance of the Deputy Detachment Commander, Sgt Chris Edwards, who was shopping in the store.

He went to the assistance of Cadet Huntroyd along with two members of the public.

Cadet Huntroyd was taken away from the scene by Sgt Edwards and the man, who was also in possession of a “knuckleduster”, was kept under control and led away by the two members of the public.

Police were called and the man who had threatened Cadet Huntroyd was arrested and taken into custody for the night.

Sgt Edwards praised the Cadets for their actions and said they “behaved impeccably on the night, neither antagonising the man”.

Colonel Fulford, the Commandant of Devon ACF, attended a meeting of Crediton Army Cadets to present the awards and said that he was impressed by the actions taken by both Cadets.

Sgt Edwards said that since the situation, a number of safety measures have been put in place to protect the cadets going to and leaving the Detachment HQ in Charlotte Street.

Currently the detachment has about 35 Cadets who meet on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Any young people interested in joining can find out further information from Sgt Edwards on 07967 312966.