FORMER Llandovery College student Holly Powell has had a year to remember after meeting the Prince of Wales in her role as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dyfed and then scaling mountains during a two-week climbing trip in America.

She also fitted in studying for her A-Levels and has now begun a degree in Criminology and Social Policy at Cariff University.

Holly, 18, who lives in Llandovery, got to meet Prince Charles when he visited Llandovery College during his annual visit to mid Wales in the summer. She got to shake his hand as he arrived at the college in a chauffeur-driven car and helped make some introductions.

Holly took over the role of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet from her sister Jessica, who previously held the role. Both girls have held the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in the college’s Combined Cadet Force.

Hot on the heels of her meeting with Prince of Wales, Holly jetted off to America for a two-week climbing course in the Yosemite National Park as part of Exercise Dragon Venturer with the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training.

This is the third such course Holly has undertaken through her involvement in the Combined Cadet Force, having previously received basic rock climbing training in the Lake District at the CCAT centre in Halton and in north Wales at Capel Curig.

Holly was one of only five cadets from across the UK and the only cadet from Wales to be chosen. She has been the captain of the college climbing team for two years and has competed in the Cadet Climbing Competition every year since 2012.

Yosemite is a Mecca for climbers and attracts visitors from around the world.

Shortly after returning from the trip Holly was shocked to learn of the death of a British climber in the rock fall from the fearsome El Capitan monolith in the park.

Of her summer experiences Holly, who hopes one day to become a police officer, said: “I thought it would be difficult to beat meeting Prince Charles as the most exciting part of my Cadet career, but the opportunity to climb in Yosemite was just fantastic. I am so grateful to Llandovery College CCF for encouraging me to put my name forward and to the 160 Brigade Commander’s Fund and the Rotary Club of Llandovery for their financial support.”

Holly’s Contingent Commander, Squadron Leader Sarah Brazier said: “Holly has been a fantastic ambassador for the Combined Cadet Force and for climbing in particular. It was a pleasure to support her application for this course and hopefully will encourage other Cadets to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.’

Llandovery College Warden, Guy Ayling said: ‘The Combined Cadet Force is an important part of the College co-curriculum programme. We believe that CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme are a vital component in preparing our young people for life beyond Llandovery College.”