TWO cadets from Redditch have made history in their detachment by becoming the first to reach the highest rank of cadet sergeant.

Naman Kalyan and Jake Simian, both 17, from Redditch & Bromsgrove Royal Marines Cadets are the first cadets in the Redditch detachment ever to achieve the rank.

It is the highest rank a cadet can achieve before becoming an adult marine.

Even more remarkably the pair completed their assessment remotely from home due to lockdown restrictions, when normally they would display their skills at a weekend retreat.

Claire Edwards, Detachment Commander Sgt said: "I am so proud of these two cadets who have shown such commitment and passion towards their cadet career and have achieved so much within the detachment.

"It's such a big thing, we have never had a cadet sergeant in the unit since we started ten years ago"

The pair were due take their Cadet Sergeants Board in March which is a national event to determine whether the cadet has the skills to make it to a cadet sergeant.

Like so many other events, the board was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis which meant the pair had to complete their training remotely.

The teens had to prove their prowess in skills such as map reading and leadership at home via computer, which they passed with flying colours.

Claire added: "We will have a celebration when we able to safely meet again as it is such a big achievement."