A TEENAGER with learning disabilities is celebrating after being appointed Drum Major of the Welling Air Cadet Corps of Drums.

Benjamin White, 17, has enjoyed an active membership of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) since he was 13, despite having a mental age of seven as well as physical and learning difficulties.

In recognition of his achievement the ACO Corps Director of Music, Wing Commander Gill Singleton, authorised him to be appointed and to wear the insignia and rank slides of a Drum Major.

This privilege is normally only given to the attendees of the national ACO Drum Major course.

Benjamin, from Bexleyheath, also became the first student from Marlborough School in Sidcup - which specialises in pupils with complex physical, mental and educational needs - to achieve the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music, undertaken as part of his membership of Welling Air Cadets.

Group leader of Welling Air Cadets, Flight Lieutenant Kris Cottier, said: "Benjamin has had a more impressive cadet career then many more able but less dedicated cadets.

"Some of the other cadets also have mild disabilities, specific learning difficulties, ADHD, autistic type tendencies and such like. "But, they see that Benjamin is doing something, and they think 'if he can do it, so can I'."

Benjamin's membership of the ACO has seen him complete a variety of awards including a Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award, a first aid qualification, his first class cadet badge as well as his swimming proficiency and musician’s proficiency badge.

For more information about Welling Air Cadets, visit 358atc.btck.co.uk or email oc.358@aircadets.org