A LLANDOVERY schoolgirl has been named Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dyfed.

Jessica Powell, an A Level pupil at Llandovery College, was formally appointed at a ceremony in the Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen.

The 18-year-old has been a member of Llandovery College Combined Cadet Force since 2009 and has achieved the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major – the highest possible for a cadet. She is the first female RSM in the College since 2006.

Jessica is a keen marksman, having reached the final 40 in the Team GB Target Tokyo talent scouting process, and has ambitions for a future Commonwealth or Olympic place. She is captain of the College Shooting Club and trains regularly at both Llandovery and the Welsh National Shooting Range in Cardiff.

In addition to her shooting, Jessica is also a member of the Combined Cadet Force climbing team, college netball and hockey teams and also recently achieved gold and silver medals as part of the college swimming team in the senior girls relay competitions at the Urdd Swimming Gala at the International Pool in Cardiff.

Jessica is currently in her final year at Llandovery College, studying Maths, Geography and Chemistry and has had offers from three Russell Group universities to undertake a degree course in Chemistry.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in the Combined Cadet Force at Llandovery College,” said Jessica.

“I am grateful to my Contingent Commander Squadron Leader Brazier and School Staff Instructor WO2 James for putting my name forward for this honour. I’m really looking forward to my year supporting the Lord Lieutenant at various functions across the county.

“I really cannot recommend the CCF strongly enough and would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to join if it is offered.’

Guy Ayling, Warden of Llandovery College, said: “We are immensely proud of Jessica’s achievements and of the CCF as a whole, offering as it does wonderful opportunities for pupils to hone important skills and develop resilience, loyalty and a strong sense of service.”