The opening of a cadet centre was marked by a traditional drum roll and the modern practice of taking a ‘selfie’.

Youngsters from the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Air Training Corps (ATC) have a new joint headquarters in New Road, Sheerness.

It was officially declared open by retired major Dennis Bradley, who served in the Grenadier Guards and is a deputy lieutenant for Kent.

He was watched by the commandant of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, air commodore Dawn McCafferty, who also took part in the selfie taken by ATC cadets from 2316 (Sheppey) squadron.

A host of other officials also attended, including the mayor and mayoress of Swale, Cllr George and Mrs Brenda Bobbin.

The centre replaces former cadet accommodation in New Road and Granville Place.

The headquarters is based on the site of the old ACF accommodation, where a second building has been added for joint use by both cadet units.

Funded by the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and Headquarters Air Cadets, it includes a shared drill hall, indoor small bore rifle range, kitchen, toilets and store rooms, as well as dedicated offices for staff and classrooms.

The New Road site will be home to around 80 cadets from both services, who will train on separate days.

Commenting on the new building, retired lieutenant colonel Peter GB Ellis, who is a deputy chief executive of SERFCA, said: “The new facility also allows us to maintain our strong military connections in the area.

"It will allow the local youth community to enjoy the opportunities, challenges, skills and qualifications the cadet movements offer.”