A dedicated cadet major has been honoured with a top award, a month after her death.

Cumbrian Army Cadet Force Major Linda Johnston has been awarded the Lord Lingfield Gold Award for her efforts in providing educational opportunities to cadets and volunteers across the county.

The award is the highest award for adult volunteers within the Army Cadet Force nationally.

She had been nominated by the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation in recognition of her educational efforts.

She had been nominated for the award before her sudden death.

A memorial service for Major Johnston was held recently at Whitehaven United Reformed Church.

Cadets, adult volunteers, members of the Royal British Legion and Army personnel gathered to remember and celebrate her life and achievements of Major Johnston.

She helped hundreds of youngsters achieve BTEC and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Colonel Anthony Steven, commandant of Cumbria ACF, read the eulogy

Colonel Steven said: “On the day which would have been Major Linda Johnston’s 59th birthday it was right that Cumbria ACF, the Royal British Legion and members of other cadet forces came together to pay tribute to this extraordinary woman whose hard work will be a very tough act to follow.”

Her daughters travelled to Sandhurst today to receive the gold award.