A TEENAGE sea cadet is following in the footsteps of her dad and grandfather after receiving royal recognition.

Sophie Hearl, 16, a cadet petty officer, was presented with a certificate of Meritorious Service from Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, at a special ceremony.

The youngster's dad James, 38, who is First Lieutenant of Greenock & District Sea Cadets, received the same honour when he was a young cadet.

Sophie said: "It means a lot to me to have been appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.

"It shows that all my efforts have paid off and I now have something to really show for it.

"I’m really looking forward to meeting other people and hearing their stories through this role."

Colonel McCarthy signed and presented Sophie's certificate to thank her for making a significant contribution to defence.

He said: "I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations and thanks to this year’s recipients of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service.

"Reservists go above and beyond in their commitment not just to their units, but to their communities as well.

"The wealth of skills and experience that they develop and refine through their work in civilian industries, and in turn bring into their defence roles, are increasingly valuable assets in a world of ever evolving changes and challenges."

Sophie's family were there to support her at the ceremony hosted.

Her grandad Jim Hearl, 62, lieutenant commander of the corps, said it was a 'very proud moment for all the family'.

Jim added: "The sea cadets is in her blood and she joined when she was 10.

"This award is only presented once a year and it covers all the units, so it is a big achievement.

"She received a badge with the Lord-Lieutenant's shield and will assist the Lord-Lieutenant in his official engagements.

"Sophie will be his aide-de-camp and will serve as an ambassador for her unit.

"Sophie is a great ambassador."

Sophie - who lives with her parents James and Jennifer and younger brother Dillon in Greenock's Stafford Road - hopes for a career as a engineering officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

She currently attends St Columba's High School in Gourock, where her teachers are delighted with her achievement.