YOUNGSTERS are set to march through the streets of Weymouth to mark a youth charity’s milestone anniversary.

The Weymouth Sea Cadet unit turns 75 next year and to mark the occasion leaders have asked the local council to be granted Freedom of the Borough.

The unit can then exercise its right to march through the streets and hold a church service to mark the historic occasion.

Sea Cadets aim is to inspire young people through nautical adventure and challenge to help give them a head start in life. Youngsters get involved in activities including sailing, boating and rock climbing.

Weymouth Sea Cadets (TS Boscawen) has a base in Barrack Road. Members took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade last month.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has been approached to grant the group the Freedom of the Borough.

A report to next Tuesday’s management committee urges councillors to recommend to full council this request is granted, and to set aside £6,000 from reserves to help fund celebrations.

A report to the committee by Democratic Services Manager Susan Carne says: “In 2017 the Weymouth Sea Cadet unit will have been established in the borough for 75 years and they would like to mark this auspicious occasion with the granting of the Freedom of the Borough, church service and a Freedom of the Borough parade in spring 2017.

“The Sea Cadets have a long history of supporting children in the borough and the local community over the last 75 years.”

She adds: “Under the Local Government Act the borough council is able to grant freedom for “persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area.

“Should members agree, a formal resolution will need to be passed at a special meeting of full council, and the “Freedom”, marked by the presentation of a commemorative Freedom Scroll to the Weymouth Sea Cadets, which would then be able to exercise the right to march through the streets of the borough and hold a church service at a future date.”