Surprise party for veteran, 90, hosted by cadets

Ken Ricketts was invited to visit Evesham cadets' base, where a surprise celebration had been planned

A group of cadets in Worcestershire have surprised a 90-year-old veteran with a special birthday party.

The Evesham troop organised the celebration for Korean War veteran Ken Ricketts, who has been a dedicated and loyal participant in Remembrance parades, but ill health meant he has struggled recently to play as active a role as he would like to.

His son Andy contacted Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force (ACF) earlier this year to ask if they would help him mark the milestone birthday.

"The ACF always encourages cadets to engage with their local communities," said Evesham Troop's detachment commander, Mike Fryer.

"When I saw Andy's letter about his father I knew the cadets would want to be involved."

He added: "When Ken arrived he thought he was just getting a standard look round the detachment building and maybe a handshake or two.

"The look on his face when our plans were revealed was truly special."

Mr Ricketts was recognised for his service as cadets helped him celebrate his milestone birthday

The cadets honoured Mr Rickett's military service with a presentation earlier this week, and delivered warm wishes from the Royal Anglian Regiment.

They also celebrated his birthday, with a letter from King Charles III read out by one of the cadets.

Mr Ricketts, who was himself a cadet in the 1940s, was presented with a specially-engraved glass tankard by the local troop.

"The veteran community is a special family, and so too is the ACF, we will always do our best to bring the two together," said Gheluvelt battery commander Capt Jamie Edwards.

"My congratulations to Ken on his birthday milestone, and to the cadets and adult volunteers at Evesham for their hard work in preparing for this event."