St Albans Sea Cadets celebrated another year of success when the Eastern Area Officer, Commander Charles Bagot-Jewitt RN, attended the Westminster Lodge unit for its biennial Royal Naval Inspection.

After inspecting the cadets, Cdr Bagot-Jewitt, accompanied by the city’s mayor, Annie Brewster, and other dignitaries had a tour of the unit to see some classes in action including navigation, marine engineering, first aid, seamanship, marine tactical models and the junior cadet class.

At the close of the Parade Cdr Bagot-Jewitt presented a series of awards including the Herts District Trophy for best unit in Hertfordshire for a second year running and awarding Petty Officer Cadet Alexandra Kataria as Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Hertfordshire.

Clare Jones, unit chair, said: "All the Sea Cadets and staff have worked tremendously hard to prepare for this inspection and their success is thoroughly well-deserved. We look forward to building on this success in the forthcoming year.

"I should also like to thank the parents and supporters of the Unit whose enthusiastic work behind the scenes makes such a difference to the opportunities offered at the Unit."

Commenting on the parade, St Albans' mayor added: "I am bowled over by the skills and enthusiasm of your cadets and staff alike. The Sea Cadets offer such great opportunities for young people in St Albans, not only nautical but a range of life skills and self-development.

"I am particularly impressed with the way your older cadets support and guide their younger counterparts. Congratulations to the whole unit on your well deserved best in County award."