A 17-YEAR-old student from Cheshire made history by becoming the first young woman to lead her school’s cadet force.

Queen’s School sixth former Libby Anderson is the first female Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) in the King’s and Queen’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Five years after she joined the contingent, Libby, from Northwich, will now lead the Army Section of the CCF.

Headmistress of the prestigious Chester school, Catherine Buckley, said: “Libby is an impressive young woman by any standards.

“Her contribution to the life of The Queen’s School is outstanding and it is a pleasure to see her success in a field which has remained male-dominated until now.”

Libby demonstrated her outstanding leadership potential early and by 2006 was commanding the contingent team which won a military skills competition.

Libby, who hopes to study English and philosophy at university, juggles her responsibilities as CSM with preparing for her A-levels, playing the cello and playing lacrosse for Queen’s and for Cheshire Metros.