Whitehaven Sea Cadets have been recognised as being among the best in country for the fifth year in a row.

Each year, Sea Cadet units are independently assessed on every aspect of their performance to make sure they offer their cadets the best possible experience.

For their performance throughout 2023, the Whitehaven unit was awarded a “Very Good” which is the highest possible award.

As a result they have been presented with a fish tailed flag called a burgee to be proudly displayed at the unit.

Their Commanding Officer, C.P.O. (SCC) Stuart McCourt said: “We are delighted with our inspection result and Certificate of Commendation.

“This is the fifth year in a row that we have been recognised as performing at the highest possible level, which is incredible given all the challenges that we faced through COVID.

“It is the well-deserved result of a huge amount of hard work and a great team effort from all the cadets, adult volunteers and parents as well as the wider community for being so supportive of us.”

The inspection includes the breadth of courses that the units’ cadets and volunteers are taking part in, how many qualifications they gain, the standard of uniforms, how well they perform on parade and how active they are in their local communities.

In an extra special twist, they were also one of only a handful of units in the entire North West of the country to also be awarded a special Certificate of Commendation from the Captain of the Sea Cadets in recognition of theirnationwide environmental and social action project.

The campaign, called #SaveTheTSBees inspired hundreds of sea cadets and youth groups around the country to plant thousands of wildflower seedballs, creating around 10,500 square feet of new bee friendly habitats.

The unit are currently recruiting new members.

Open to everyone aged between 10 and 18, they meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30 – 9.00pm at Kent Housebehind Dixons department store, Carter Lane, Whitehaven. CA28 7DA

Have a look at their Facebook page (@WhitehavenSCC) or send an email to co@tsbee.org.uk for more information.