Sheppey Sea Cadets have received their Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

An accompanying certificate, handed over at their headquarters at Barton's Point, Sheerness, on Monday was one of the last to be signed by Her Majesty before her death last month.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent Lady Colgrain, who was making her second visit to the cadets, said: "As His Majesty's representative, I am absolutely thrilled to present what is regarded as the MBE of volunteering.

"Her Late Majesty rated the importance of recognising the incredible work of organisations like this very highly, as His Majesty The King continues to do."

She said she brought his "heartfelt congratulations and thanks" and added: "It is clear to anyone visiting Sheppey Sea Cadets that teamwork, dedication and pride are core values of this group.

"The volunteers are outstanding. It is evident that everyone works together to ensure an excellent experience for the cadets."

She described the cadets as "well behaved, engaged, fun and self-sufficient" and added: "This exceptional voluntary group works in one of the most deprived communities in the country, providing so many opportunities for young people they would not otherwise receive, bringing new skills."

After the presentation, she toured the premises and took over the controls of the cadets' ship simulator, gently guiding a Channel ferry safely into Dover Docks.

Commanding Officer Leisse Gambell, who received the award, said: "We are all very proud to get this honour. We have 40 adults on board in various roles who have helped make us one of the top units in the south east."

After suffering from the Covid-19 lockdowns, the unit has now bounced back and has 72 cadets on its books.

Leisse said: "Many have come because of word of mouth or reading our Facebook posts. We also do a lot in the community, especially for the Remembrance Parade. I think Islanders like that."

It is hoped the prestigious award will open up more doors as the cadets seek £6m for brand new state-of-art premises. The twin two-storey blocks are expected to become a focus for sail training across the southeast.

The site already has access to a canal and is near the sea for more challenging lessons. The new centre will have sleeping accommodation for up to 66 visiting cadets.

The existing concrete barracks-style premises, formerly part of a Royal Navy firing range, have been used by the cadets since 1954. They are now cold, damp and no longer fit for purpose.

The new project was first dreamed up in 2016 and designs submitted in October 2019 but only approved by Swale council in April last year.

Deputy chairman Andy Willmore said: "Sheppey has become one of the major training centres for sea cadets learning to sail, row, sailboard and kayak in the southeast. But our buildings are deteriorating and are difficult and expensive to maintain. They do not adequately support the cadets and fall below current standards of welfare and efficiency.

"The proposed building will provide brand new state-of-the-art training, accommodation, adventure and event spaces for our cadets and hopefully for the rest of the community, too. This will really put Sheppey on the map."

The citation from Elizabeth the Second reads:

"By the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen, Defender of the Faith, to Sheppey Sea Cadets offering activities and education to cadets developing life skills, discipline and teamwork, greeting!

"We being cognisant of the said group's outstanding voluntary work in the community and being desirous of showing Our Royal Favour do hereby confer on it The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service."

The citation was signed on June 2. The award's emblem can be displayed on letterheads and other material.

Mr Willmore and Margaret Brett also received certificates of meritorious service at the presentation ceremony.

The cadets take youngsters from nine to 18 and meet on Mondays and Thursdays at 6.45pm. For details, call 01795 580134.