WARM congratulations were sent by the Queen as Portland's Sea Cadets were granted Freedom of the Island.

Despite the gloomy weather, there was a reason to celebrate on Saturday as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Rupert Best bestowed the honour.

The ceremony, held at All Saints Church during their Accession Day service, was attended by MP for West Dorset Richard Drax and the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Christine James.

Afterwards, the cadets paraded under standards through Easton, saluting Mr Best as they trooped past him through the rain on the square.

The Freedom of the Island grants the Portland Sea Cadets the right to march bearing arms on the island.

The Queen sent a letter to the mayor of Portland, Rod Wild, and Portland Town Council, congratulating the cadets.

She said: “As patron of the Sea Cadet Corps, I was interested to learn of the company’s success at the Cadet Band Championships at the Tower of London last year and much appreciate the thoughtfulness in writing as you did.

“In return, I send my congratulations to the members of Portland’s Sea Cadet Corps and my warm, good wishes to all those who are present at the service.”

Cllr Sandy West, the next mayor of Portland, said: “It was and absolutely outstanding service and a real honour to be there.

“I was so proud of the Sea Cadets and the Queen herself would have been proud.

“The day just showed that when Portland does things well, it does things well.”

In a sermon given by Rev Chris Briggs, the superintendent minister of Portland Methodist circuit, the theme of service was reflected upon.

Afterwards, young students from IPACA performed an informative tribute to the Queen.

Cllr West said: “People talk a lot about royalty, sometimes negatively, but then you think that the Queen has given her whole life in service of the people.”

Mr Drax said: “It is a great honour for the Sea Cadets to be awarded the freedom of the island.

“It is one they deserve and I want to say congratulations to the cadets, their instructors and, of course, their parents.

“It is great to see another community run organisation succeeding on this wonderful island.”

Mayor Christine James said: “The sea cadets have done really well with all the awards they have won.

“It was lovely to be invited.”