Struggling sea cadets have launched a SOS appeal to raise £30,000 over a year to help them stay afloat.

The Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets has trained over a thousand youngsters at the unit by Brooklands Lake, since it was set up during the Second World War.

And many cadets have moved on to serve with the Royal and Merchant Navies but now the group are in danger of sinking without trace.

The group need more than £1,000 a month to pay rent and bills while also carrying out minor repairs at the headquarters, which is over 70 years old.

Fundraising co-ordinator Stephen West said: “We have been an historical part of Dartford’s rich history since we were established during the Second World War.

“Since that time the unit has trained more than a thousand sea cadets many of whom have joined the Royal and Merchant Navies.

“We are hoping to raise the sum of £30,000 over the next 12 months.

“All that we raise during that period will help keep our unit going for future generations of local youth aspiring to become sea cadets.”

Last year, the group suffered a blow when liquid gas bottles used for hot water and heating were stolen while three boilers were damaged beyond repair.

As an expensive alternative, the cadets used electric heaters to keep warm during the winter.

In October, the unit almost closed for good but a lifeline was thrown by Dartford council who provided emergency cash through a Salute To Youth Grant.

But no funding is in place past the summer, leaving the group in danger once again of going under.

Mr West added: “We are extremely grateful for the help we have received from Dartford Council these past few months which has given us a much needed lifeline but we now need to raise funds to enable us to safeguard our much valued community unit for the long term.

“Despite recent financial support our future is still extremely parlous and we need public support.”

Activities carried out by cadets include learning to swim, sail, row, kayak, boxing, rock climb, hike and cook. The group train at Royal Navy bases and attend civic events such as Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.

The Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets was formed in 1943 and has had a base at Brooklands Lake since 1946.

At the moment, 25 youngsters aged 12-18 are training at the unit. The group has so far raised just £120. To make a donation click here.