A SAUCHIE man was left "humbled" after receiving a prestigious award for his work with the Wee County's Air Cadets.

Garry Henderson, 51, was recently named the senior non-commissioned officer of the year in the Scotland and Northern Ireland Region, and earned the Goose Bay Cane too.

Having been involved with the cadets for almost three decades, Garry has worked his way up the ranks and is now commanding officer of Alloa 383 Squadron.

Speaking about the accolade, he told the Advertiser: "They call it the Goose Bay Cane because it's a cane that a warrant officer would carry while on parade.

"I was actually surprised and shocked; I didn't even know I was in for it.

"It was my boss who sent me an email saying I'd won."

And despite being modest about his work, it's clear the achievement was well deserved.

As well as running the local squadron, Garry – who works as a security guard – also helps at the Dunblane squadron as well.

He also gives up an incredible amount of his time attending training courses, and then running courses for cadets and staff.

After the news of his award was shared on social media, he said: "All the comments that came back on Facebook and all the kids and people were very pleased for me, saying I deserved it.

"But, to be perfectly honest, I do it to help young people – that's what cadets is all about.

"I feel very humbled because I've been with the cadets nearly 30 years and this is the first time I've ever been recognised."

Keen to show his appreciation for his colleagues, he added: "I'd like to thank the cadets and staff of 383 Alloa Squadron for all their support and all the hard work they put in."