They are unsung heroes who give up their time to help out at events across the Island and beyond.

Without Sheppey’s Event Marshalling Unit – otherwise known as the EMUs – many carnivals, processions, parades, and the like would not go ahead.

But few people realise who they are, what they do – and that they do it for free.

Set up 18 years ago, the EMUs provide marshals for a whole host of events such as the Leysdown, Sheerness and Sittingbourne carnivals.

Recognisable in their uniforms – fluorescent yellow T-shirts, tabards and black trousers – the volunteers help with anything from crowd control and enforcing road closures to manning car parks and searching for missing children.

Dave O’Neill, 52, and the late Jill Wood established the group after being involved in a nationwide Citizens Band (CB) emergency response group. They wanted to volunteer to help out the Sheppey community.

The EMUs now number some 30 volunteers – men and women, aged 18 and upwards.

“They are all a really good bunch of guys and girls and they do a really good job – hence we keep getting asked back to marshal events each year,” said Delamark Road resident Dave.

But the unit, which also provided people at the funeral last year of Sheppey soldier Daniel Holkham, now needs some help of its own.

Having spent £1,500 on new radios earlier this year and with plans to bring in new uniforms next year, the group has begun a fundraising push.

Its first event is a pig race on Saturday, October 8, at Queenborough Social Club, North Road, from 8pm to 11pm. Admission is free. A fun day, organised in conjunction with Sheppey Scouts, is also in the pipeline.

Out twice on Saturday to provide cover at a charity fun day at Stonnes Fisheries, Sheerness, and at Sittingbourne Carnival, the volunteers are also looking for sponsorship from a local company – and new members.

Second-in-command Paul Shipley, an EMU for the past two years, said it was rewarding work, even if few people realised the group were all volunteers.

“We have had to turn down events because we haven’t got enough marshals, so we are always looking for new members,” he said. “All we require is the ability to attend a couple of events a year, plus a lot of common sense.”

He added: “It’s a community thing and it’s fun.

“We have a laugh and if an event has gone well, you do get a feeling of satisfaction and of a job well done.”

For more details about the EMUs or to sponsor the group, call Dave on 07857 961776 or Paul on 07513 099213. Alternatively, follow them on Facebook by searching for E.M.U Sheppey or click here for website.