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Created: 14 May 2024

A boy who at the age of just 12 has become a champion for the environment in Erewash has received the ultimate accolade – a thankyou from the King.
Logan Smith took it upon himself to write to His Majesty after his mum told him how Charles shared his concern for the planet.
He did not expect a reply – so was thrilled to get a letter back from Buckingham Palace.
The youngster – winner of a Blue Peter Green Badge – told the King how he is a Long Eaton Sea Cadet and had been learning about how plastics cause water pollution. Logan, who always looks out for any litter he can pick up, also detailed how he and his fellow cadets took part in the Earthshot challenge – an environmental campaign founded by Prince William.
The King’s Secretary wrote back to thank him for his “most thoughtful letter to His Majesty”. The reply confirmed: “As King, His Majesty continues to support and celebrate global efforts towards a more sustainable future.
“It was very kind of you to share with His Majesty your enthusiasm for recycling, and he hopes that you continue to enjoy being a member of the Sea Cadets. The King would have me convey his warm good wishes to you and your family, and to thank you once again for taking the time to write to him.”
Logan said after reading the letter: “I feel happy and excited that I’ve done something to help the environment and showed what is possible.”
He joined the junior Sea Cadets at the age of ten and graduated to the senior programme when he turned 12. The 66 members of the Long Eaton branch are taught life skills to develop their confidence and resilience.
Their mission to boost the natural environment has seen Logan build bug hotels and “bee bombs” filled with wildflower seeds to encourage pollinators.
The cadets have plans to clean up rubbish from the Attenborough Nature Reserve in May. The unit’s commanding officer Kevan Chatterley said all of them were passionate about green issues. He said: “It brings a tear to your eye.”
Fellow petty officer Andrew Maltby said: “As a unit we are really, really proud of Cadet Smith and the fact he wrote to the King on his own initiative. He’s been a Cadet who’s always got involved. He’s always the one to say ‘right, we’re doing this’.
Logan, whose ambition is to serve in the Royal Navy, said: “I just want to try and keep the environment healthy and try my best to keep the planet alive.”
Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Kate Fennelly has taught Logan in the Sea Cadets. Kate – who served in the RAF and is the council’s Armed Forces champion – said: “He is a fantastic lad.”
Stuart Williams, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Cadet Smith is a fine role model for his peers and I believe we can all learn a thing or two from him.”

Picture: Logan reading his letter from the Palace. Credit: East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.