A PIONEERING leadership coach has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours. Neil Jurd, a Cumbria-based former Sandhurst instructor, has received the honour for his work with the Army Cadets. A former regular army officer, who led Gurkha soldiers on operations in Iraq, Neil held the position of Commandant of Lancashire Army Cadet Force for five years. He helped to transform the lives of hundreds of young adults and help them on their way to becoming confident, independent members of society through creating exciting opportunities and encouraging their talents. Under his leadership Lancashire ACF flourished as he transformed the organisation: increasing cadet numbers significantly and improving staff morale.