Portland Sea Cadets took part in a spectacular show of formal parading and an 80- strong marching band in London.

The event was staged to celebrate Trafalgar Day on behalf of the Royal Navy and involved 500 young people, including cadets from the Air Training Corps.

The Sea Cadets marched into Trafalgar Square from Horse Guards Parade.

The band provided a short display for the VIPs before the Sea Cadet Guard marched into the square escorting the National Sea Cadet Colour.

National Trafalgar Day is a chance for them to showcase their skills and talent to dignitaries from the Royal Navy and to London’s spectators and tourists.

The Sea Cadets have been performing the ritual since the 1930’s.

Trafalgar Day commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar Victory and Nelson’s death in 1805.

The Last Post was sounded by Portland’s own Leading Cadet Thomas Louch and Able Cadet Thomas Cox.

Petty Officer Chris Palucsis at the units said: “Our cadets only had two days to practice and co-ordinate their moves with the other UK cadets for the very exacting and precise ceremonial display they perform in front of up to 2000 spectators.

“So it’s a big reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion these young people have invested throughout the year that they can deliver such a show stopping parade.

“We are really proud of them.”

Petty Officer Cadet John Rhys Tanner said: “It was an amazing experience performing in front of all those people.

“I loved it and it was great to meet cadets from other towns and work together to pull off such a brilliant display.”

Giving Youngsters A Head Start In Life

Sea Cadets, the UK’s largest nautical youth charity, aims to inspire young people, aged between 10 and 18, through nautical adventure to learn and develop new skills and boost confidence for a head start in life.

Portland Sea Cadets meet at 7pm every Tuesday and Thursday at a unit on Blacknor Road, Portland.

The Isle of Portland Unit was founded in 1956 and was designated Unit Number 483 under the Command of Lt G Mogford.

It has been providing opportunities for young people to gain experience for 50 years.

The unit’s headquarters were originally based in a wooden hut outside the gates of Portland Naval Base in an area known as Boscawen, before it relocated to the old NAAFI bakery in Castletown.

The Girls Nautical Training Contingent was amalgamated into the unit in 1992.

In 1995, with the closure of the Royal Navy Dockyard, the Portland Sea Cadet Unit moved to its present location at the old NAAFI shop in Westcliff and continues to thrive. For more information visit sea-cadets.org/portland