RHYL’S air, sea, and land cadet forces have been given new honours.

Rhyl town council have been given their own mayor cadets. Rhyl Sea Cadets will hold the title for the year with Lance Corporal Alan Hill. The force will accompany cllr Win Mullen-James, mayor of Rhyl, and help raise the profile of the work carried out by various groups.

The appointments were made at a meeting of the council which also saw volunteer Shirley Williams made an honorary freewoman of the town.

Cllr Mullen-James said: “This is the first time we have had honorary cadets’ positions and the posts will move between air, land, and sea cadet forces each year, helping to raise the profile of groups in the area."

This is the third time the town council has given a freeperson of the town award

In 1967, Shirley became a committee member of Rhyl Youth Club. She helped set up the Clwyd Coast Credit Union and volunteers for a range of organisations including the Glan Clwyd branch of the British Heart Foundation, British Legion, Marie Curie, Rhyl Lifeboat and Motor Neurone Disease charities.

Shirley, who received a certificate and town crest, established a ‘Recycled Teenagers’ group which meets once a month and supports the Botanical Gardens Café voluntary group.

Last year, she took on the role of volunteer coordinator of the Prestatyn Justice Centre (former Rhyl County Court) tea bar, which raises money for local causes.

In 1991, she became a front of house usher at Rhyl Pavilion and was appointed a court usher at Rhyl County Court in 1994. The mum-of-one still holds both positions.

Shirley said: “I feel very privileged and honoured to accept the title of honorary freewoman of a town.

"I’ve lived very happily in since being a little girl, and one I think I can safely say I’ve fully involved myself in."

Cllr Mullen-James added: "Shirley’s work in Rhyl spans decades and she remains actively involved in so very many projects, groups, and organisations. Her dedication to the town is admirable and she is much-deserving of the title.”