BRITAIN'S top soldier, General Sir Michael Walker, flew into Devizes last Thursday to officially open a £1.13 million cadet centre, the new home for the Devizes platoon of the Army Cadet Force and squadron of the Air Training Corps.

It was not known until the actual day whether Sir Michael, the Chief of Defence Staff, would be able to appear in person.

He had been invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, president of the Wiltshire Cadets, and Sir Michael's former commanding officer.

Major John Bradshaw, the cadet executive officer of Wiltshire ACF, said: "We knew about three months ago that Sir Michael might be coming but it was not until a few days ago that it looked likely. Because of the security position, we couldn't say anything about his visit before the event.

"His coming here has given everyone a tremendous boost. The new centre is a dream come true for the cadets and it is so nice to know that it is important to people like Sir Michael as well."

Sir Michael was met from his helicopter by Commodore Ian Pemberton, the chairman of Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association, who introduced him to military and civilian VIPs.

Among the VIPs were the Mayor of Devizes, Coun Paula Winchcombe, and the vice chairman of Kennet District Council, Coun Jenny Combe.

An honour guard of Army and Air Cadets paraded in the car park in front of the new centre. Lance Corporal Sarah-Jane Stickley brought them to attention and invited Sir Michael to inspect them.

Sir Michael spent several minutes chatting with each member of the honour guard in turn, before congratulating Lance Corporal Stickley on their turnout and asking her to dismiss the guard.

Miss Stickley, 15, who is a pupil at Lavington School and lives in Devizes, said: "He said we had done very well and credited us on our turnout. He asked me to let the guard know that he was very happy with them."

Sadly, Miss Stickley, who was congratulated by many people for the adept and confident way she had led the honour guard, cannot take up a military career when she leaves school. She said: "Because I am asthmatic I wouldn't be accepted. Instead I am hoping to become a police dog handler."

Sir Michael and the other guests were shown round the new cadet centre facilities, which include an indoor shooting range, a parade room, training rooms with computers and video screens and a parade ground.

Flight Lieutenant Gary Lewry, commanding officer of the Devizes squadron of the Air Training Corps, has been a member of the ATC since 1983.

He said: "When I started we were in what is now the Wyvern Club in Church Walk but we moved to Le Marchant Barracks in about 1991. The facilities there were getting a bit down at heel.

"What we have here is fantastic. The cadets are very excited and we hope it will attract more young people to join us."