LIEUTENANT Colonel Alistair James Wood has been appointed MBE for his contribution to the Combined Cadet Force.

Col Jim Wood, as he is more commonly known, has been granted, along with a number of military personnel, a state honour for his work in the Armed Forces.

He was nominated in 2019 by former headteacher of St Brigid’s School in Denbigh, Ms Rona Jones and the 160th Brigade (Welsh) Army cadet team.

The honour is in recognition of Col Wood’s tireless efforts as a volunteer to develop and continue the Combined Cadet Force at St Brigid’s school.

A spokesperson from St Brigid's said: "Col Wood joined the regular army as an officer in the Royal Signals in 1984, serving a full career until his retirement in 2009. Following his retirement from the army, he took up the position of Contingent Commander of the St Brigid’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), initially for six months to ‘help out’.

"When Col Wood took over the role of Contingent Commander in 2009, the CCF was a small and struggling unit which was under threat of closure with very few adult volunteers and only 10 registered cadets."

Col Wood, of Denbigh who is 'very closely attached to the school', set about developing the resources, staffing and curriculum of the school’s CCF.

"He has transformed it into the hugely successful organisation that it is today," the spokesperson added.

"St Brigid’s is one of only six state schools in Wales with a CCF and currently has over 100 cadets registered.

"In addition, the CCF now has a regular contingent of seven adult volunteers, both members of staff and others, who give up their time to support the young people of St Brigid’s School.

"This growth is purely attributable to Col Wood’s enthusiasm, determination and drive for success.

"He is an inspirational role model to each and everyone of them.

Col Wood's 'six month agreement' has now continued for more than 10 year.

The spokesperson said: "Not only has Col Wood dedicated most of his free time each week to the running of the school’s Combined Cadet Force but has given up many weekends to allow the young people of St Brigid’s to have the full cadet experience and develop their personal skills. "

Col Wood, who is a mountain leader, assists with Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and has further expanded the cadet experience to include indoor climbing.

This has resulted in more than 100 young people achieving National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme qualifications.

He has also introduced orienteering and again, regularly gives up his free time at weekends to take cadets and other school pupils to take part in local and national competitions. Great success has been had with one pupil currently the under 14s Welsh champion.

"Everyone at St Brigid’s are very proud of his achievement and thankful for his contribution to the CCF over the last decade," the spokesperson added.