An inquest into the death of a 14-year-old Sea Cadet who died after falling from a training ship has recorded a verdict of misadventure.

Jonathan Martin, from Shadoxhurst naer Ashford, was taking part in celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the movement.

He fell from a 20ft drop as he climbed the rigging of the TS Royalist in May 2010.

The Cranbrook School pupil (pictured left) lost his balance, crashing onto a wheelie bin and shattering his chest before falling into the sea.

He was recovered from the water at Stokes Bay, in Gosport, and airlifted to hospital but died from severe chest injuries en route.

An inquest into his death has been reviewing evidence this week.

Last year, it emerged Jonathan's parents were suing the Marine Society and Sea Cadets.

His father Andy said: "Jonathan loved being a Sea Cadet but we feel he was let down by a lack of safety precautions which led to this tragedy. The activities onboard the ship aren't regulated as they would be on land and we're looking to push for regulation to ensure sea-faring activities are as safe as land-based ones.

"We hope taking legal action will raise awareness of the need for health and safety guidelines for young people taking part in activities on vessels to be improved."

Jonathan, who had been a member of Ashford Sea Cadets for two years, was among a group of 19 cadets who were asked to climb the TS Royalist's rigging to gather the sail.

He noticed a female member of the team struggling and moved across the mast to help. When he stepped around another cadet he slipped and fell backwards.

A safety report after the accident said his actions had been "contrary to his training and onboard procedures" but that his "confidence, enthusiasm and leadership" may have led him to take the risk.

It was suggested that he may have been "preoccupied with assisting the female cadets", a task he "probably relished".