AN Okehampton cadet has enjoyed a lunch at the House of Lords after winning a public vote to become an ambassador for the CVQO educational charity.

After an intense public vote, which saw nearly 3,500 cast on the website and via text, Megan Hansen, a cadet with 2443 Okehampton Squadron Air Training Corps came out as the clear winner, receiving the crown from 2014's winnerRebecca Varney.

Megan joined the nine national finalists in the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award for lunch at the House of Lords on June 30.

The day was a hugely special one for Megan, which saw her presented with her award by the Rt Hon Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt DL and included a guided tour of 10 Downing Street. She was accompanied by her mother and 2443's squadron chaplain Rev Simon Bourne.

Rev Bourne said: 'Megan has worked extremely hard to get where she has including gaining her ILM Level 3 certificate in leadership and management. It is a great honour for her but also for 2443 squadron to have one of our cadets gaining such a highly regarded national award.'

An added bonus for Megan was to meet the commandant of the ATC, Dawn McCafferty. She congratulated Megan by saying: 'Enjoy your year as a CVQO ambassador and well done again on winning the public vote so convincingly.'

Simon Reeves of CVQO said: 'As regional ambassador, Megan will work with us at CVQO over the next 12 months to make others aware of the benefits of vocational qualifications, helping others follow in her footsteps.'

Megan was one of 26 cadets chosen from thousands nationally to make a shortlist for the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award.

She was unlucky to not make the final nine but earned the chance to be named as a regional ambassador for the CVQO by proving her qualities as a great cadet and demonstrating the benefits the CVQO qualification has given her.

CVQO is a UK-based educational charity that has been changing lives through vocational training and development since 2001.

It provides opportunities for young people and adult volunteers to improve their prospects in education and work through vocational qualifications.