More than 700 young people marched through Rochester today, Saturday, in a parade to mark the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement

The procession made its way from Crow Lane along the High Street to the cathedral for a special service.
The cadets have been rehearsing for weeks and were watched by dignitaries from all over the county including the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, who took the salute at the war memorial.

The cathedral service was led by the Rev Paul Kerr, with the former Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Dr Stephen Venner, now Bishop to Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and Bishop for the Falkland Islands.

During the service, prayers were said for tragic Ashford Sea Cadet Jonathan Martin (pictured) who died last Sunday after falling from a ship's rigging during a training exercise.

Afterwards the cadets made their way to a reception at nearby Rochester Castle gardens, while VIPs were treated to one at the Corn Exchange in Northgate.
Medway Mayor Cllr David Royle said: “The cadets have been very impressive, the weather didn’t bother them, they have things in much worse conditions.
All have them have done Rochester very proud, it’s great to have them here.”
Regimental Sgt Major Steve McGowan, primary organiser of the event added: “It was a great opportunity for people to come along and show their support and to watch the cadets on this special occasion.”
More information about the Cadet150 celebrations in 2010 can be found at www.cadet150.org