A SEA Cadet from York was flying out to Australia today to represent the UK in a once in a lifetime foreign exchange with the Sea Cadet Corps.

Petty Officer Cadet Megan Cox, 17, from Acomb, has been an active and committed member of York Sea Cadets for nearly five years.

Since joining, she has taken part in many activities such as boating, expedition training, music, offshore sailing and physical training.

Her commitment to the cadets has seen her receive many awards, including the silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, and the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for North Yorkshire – the highest accolade a cadet can achieve in the cadet forces.

Now, in an acknowledgement of her service, she is embarking on a two-and-a-half week exchange down under, along with five other cadets from Britain and about 20 cadets from other countries including Canada, the USA and Sweden.

During her stay, she will see the sights and learn about the culture as well as meeting many high-profile dignitaries.

Megan, speaking yesterday just before she left for London, said: “I don’t really know what to expect, but I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”

She said she would be staying at a naval base at Freemantle and visiting Perth during her stay.

The All Saints’ RC School sixth former said she would make use of the 20-hour flights to Australia and back to get some revision done for her AS levels this summer.

Officer in Charge of York Sea Cadets, Petty Officer Steve Brown, said Megan was a true reflection of what the young people of today could achieve, and was an asset to the unit.

He said: “The selection process to embark on this exchange is fierce, and so we are all very proud of her.”