The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

As part of the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP), The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment has been working with the Highfield Leadership Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Blackpool. The CEP is part of the Government’s aim of promoting military ethos in schools; to instil values in young people that will help them get the most out of their lives, and to contribute to their communities and country. Formed in 2019, Highfield is one of our newest CCFs and is led by School Staff Instructor WO2 Ian McCleary, who was previously SSI at Rossall School. The Highfield CCF programme offers pupils leadership opportunities and develops key life skills such as confidence, self-discipline and resourcefulness. Our Regimental Support Team has been working with the Cadets during their training in physical exercise, fieldwork, drill and CIS training. The Cadets have been able to get a closer look at and try out the kit and uniforms currently used by The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment . The Cadets have been enthu

Corporal James Kirby, a Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (LANCS) soldier based at Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick, has ‘tabbed’ 154 miles, carrying 59kg, across the North of England in 48 hours, all in aid of Blesma. The charity is close to Cpl Kirby's heart, as his mum Denise had suffered from a life of physical difficulties after having her legs removed and being left unable to use her arms. And after Denise died in March, after contracting the Covid-19 virus, Cpl Kirby decided he would travel 154 miles on foot, from Preston's Flag Market to ITC Catterick and back to raise money for the Blesma charity - all while carrying 59 kilos of weight on his back. "The route I took was the same route I drove home the night I got the call telling me my mum was going to die. I walked to ITC Catterick and back to represent the 48 hour battle that she had when fighting for her life." And her lifetime of suffering from diabetes, immobility and a stroke is what inspired son Jam