A TIVERTON man who has devoted nearly four decades to supporting and inspiring the town’s Sea Cadet Unit has been honoured by the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon.

Lieutenant Peter Saupe received the Certificate for Meritorious Service from David Fursdon Lord Lieutenant during ceremonies at the Council House, Plymouth.

The certificate recognises service of an exceptionally high order by people connected with the Reserve Forces or uniformed cadet organisations.

Lt Saupe, 63, who works as a millwright at Willand-based JS Engineering, started out as an adult instructor before taking command of the unit for a number of years.

Even now, he is still very much involved as ‘the man in charge of boats’.

He served in the RAF between 1969 and 1974, but it was six “tremendous years” as a sea cadet in Tiverton that had a huge impact on his life.

“I came from a typical council house background where money was tight,” he explained. “The Cadets gave me opportunities to experience things that otherwise would not have been possible.

“Later on, I felt very strongly that it was only right to give something back and to help another generation of youngsters to benefit.”

The Certificate for Meritorious Service was also presented to Sergeant Major Instructor Brian Snowden, of Tiverton, who has commanded four detachments in the county during lengthy service with the Army Cadet Force.

The awards are hosted by the Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

The ceremonies in the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room included the appointment of young people as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for the next year.

The line-up included 17-year-old Charlotte Sheppard from Cullompton, who She is the cadet company Sergeant Major of the Cullompton Detachment for the Devon Army Cadet Force.