A FORMER Saundersfoot woman has been recognised for her loyalty to the Sea Cadet movement.

Janet Picton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Viv Walters, of The Strand, was recently presented with the 2nd Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal (CFM) for 26 years service.

However, Janet has actually given far more years service than that, having originally enrolled with the Girls Nautical Training Corps (GNTC) in 1976 as a direct entry third officer at Tenby.

Janet quickly gained promotion to second officer whilst serving as officer in charge of Tenby and further promotion in 1987 to first officer, by which time she had been appointed to several district and area posts, including Assistant District Officer and Area Staff Officer (canoeing).

Now, as a member of the Headquarters Events team working for the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Janet maintains her enthusiasm, devotion and loyalty to the corps with regular attendance at area and national events.

In all, Lieutenant Commander Picton's career so far has spanned 33 years and she is therefore most deserving of this award.

The photograph shows Janet being presented with the clasp by Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB, OBE, RN, Cim CFleet, at the Trafalgar Day reception on October 25.

Janet joined the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, formerly known as the Sea Cadet Association, in March 2001 as events officer.

The pinnacle of her achievements must be the exceptional events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. As the Trafalgar 200 lead for the MSSC, she was the key member of the Royal Navy's T200 team and ensured that the Sea Cadets were forefront of these celebrations, in particular the International Fleet Review and International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth during the summer of 2005.

The autumn events centred around the wreath-laying ceremony at Nelson's tomb at St. Paul's Cathedral to an enhanced Trafalgar Day Parade, attended by over 600 cadets from around the UK. The parade was followed by the 'Spirit of Nelson' spectacular which, although organised by the Royal Navy, involved over 300 cadets performing during the evening.

As a youngster in Saundersfoot, meanwhile, Janet was involved with the Girl Guides and became a 'Queen's Guide' and was awarded the Lord Lieutenant's Award, as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.