KENT has every reason to be proud of its young people, the Lieutenancy heard during its annual meeting on Saturday.

More than 50 Deputy Lieutenants from across the county attended the session at the Royal School of Military Engineering, Chatham, led by the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett CMG, and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Viscount De L’Isle.

The meeting heard that during the past year, members had performed more than 700 significant duties around the county, ranging from welcoming Royal visitors to presenting awards and supporting voluntary groups.

The Lord Lieutenant said last year’s main focus on the celebration of youth achievement had been a success and more than 2,000 young people had enjoyed the main event at the county showground.

He said: “I was particularly impressed by the young carers who so unselfishly dedicate themselves to looking after incapacitated family members. We have every reason to be proud of our youth.”

The county’s Deputy Lieutenants - including three newcomers Right Hon Sir John Mummery, Lady Clarke and Brigadier John Meardon - were briefed on initiatives for this year, with the main focus on celebrating the centenary of the Territorial Army.

The highlight will be a thanksgiving parade and service for all the volunteer reserves, past and present, at Canterbury on September 6 and related events throughout the year, at Penshurst Place, Maidstone, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Dover and elsewhere.

He said “We will also continue to thank and encourage our civic leaders and all those selfless volunteers in our communities who generously give their time and energy - often unrecognised.”

The meeting was followed by the annual lunch with guests including the Commandant of the Royal School of Military Enginering, Brigadier Anthony Harking, and the leader of Kent County Council, Cllr Paul Carter, who had earlier briefed Deputy Lieutenants about issues facing the county.