A Helensburgh cadet says he is “very proud of himself” after being chosen to visit London for King Charles’ coronation.

14-year-old Natan Sienko was just one of 30 Scottish cadets - and 10 from the Argyll and Sutherland battalion - who were selected to take a trip to London for a front row view of the King’s coronation parade through the streets.

The unique experience allowed Natan to see the event up close and meet with soldiers from around the world.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The trip was Natan's first to LondonThe trip was Natan's first to London (Image: Sebastian Sienko)

Natan said: “We were watching the king in the carriage riding past us.

“With all the people cheering us we had to walk to the palace where the king would come out and wave to us afterwards, so we had that big walk with all of the cadets and it was really nice.

“[African soldiers] wanted photos with us and were having conversations with us – I felt like a celebrity.

“I’m very proud of myself. I never thought I’d be seeing a king or any important person in my life.”

Natan had never been to London before and made the most of his short time there – despite having to get up at 3am to get ready.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Natan met different soldiers during his time at the coronationNatan met different soldiers during his time at the coronation (Image: Sebastian Sienko)

He added: “That was actually my first time going to London and I got a good impression of it.

“I made quite a few friends on the trip.”

Natan was the only cadet from the Lomond area to be selected after he was nominated by leader Amanda Logan.

Amanda said: “There was a selection process and cadet Sienko was one of the lucky ones from us who got selected and he was the only one from this area.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The cadets had a great time in the cityThe cadets had a great time in the city (Image: Sebastian Sienko)

“It was a long day to begin with: they were up at three in the morning on the Saturday to get dressed and make sure everything was right and then they were transported over to the coronation.

“They met soldiers from all over the world who were just in awe of them, taking photos of them and chatting with them.

“He’s so delighted and really proud of himself – he’s just the sweetest cadet and he deserves it.”

Natan is looking forward to the upcoming cadet training camp in Garelochhead this summer.

Helensburgh and Garlochhead are included in the Argyll and Sutherland battalion of the cadets.