Dover and Deal Sea Cadets were told to keep doing what they are doing during an inspection from an area officer commander.

Trevor Price RN, who is the southern area Sea Cadets area officer commander, carried out his formal annual inspection of the unit.

To impress him and other guests including Dover mayor Cllr Neil Rix and the mayor of Deal Cllr David Cronk, the cadets performed ceremonial divisions.

They were delighted that their hard work had been recognised when they were told that, for the fifth successive year, they had been awarded the top honour of a coveted Royal Navy Burgee.

During his debrief Commander Price said: “You have shown just how much opportunity is offered to the cadets and junior sea cadets here in the towns of Dover and Deal.

“What more could you be doing, or could you improve on? The answer, simply, is nothing. Keep doing what you do and having fun while doing it.”

During the evening cadets and junior Sea Cadets aged between 10 and 17 reflected on their busy year of activities.

The cadets have been involved in more than 30 local community events in Dover and Deal and supported the Royal British Legion for the White Cliffs and Downs Branches.

They have also participated in the Port of Dover Community regatta providing safety cover, visited the First World War battlefields, undertaken training in Portsmouth at HMS Excellent and also taken part in a naval course at HMS Raleigh.

A number of cadets have also enjoyed a week’s offshore voyage on one of the three Sea Cadet national offshore vessels – TS Royalist, TS John Jerwood and TS Jack Petchey.

Commanding officer Sarah Butler said: “It has been a very busy year for all involved with Dover and Deal Sea Cadets and the achievement of the Burgee award recognises the real efforts by each member to ensure each cadet gets the best possible head start in life, utilising nautical training and fun.”

n If you would like to know more about the opportunities for the young people at Dover and Deal Sea Cadets email info@tslynx.co.uk or visit sea-cadets.org/dover/home.aspx.