Talented Sea Cadets from Dorset hit the right note in a national band competition.

Cadets from Portland joined forces with cadets from across the South West to perform in the Sea Cadets’ National Band Competition at the Tower of London on Saturday, August 19.

The competition attracted more than 25,000 visitors over the course of two days and the young musicians have been praised for their ‘remarkable’ performances.

The Captain of the Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russel RN, said: “It was great to see all the cadets' hard work pay off, and there were some truly great performances on the day. National Band Competition is only held every two years, and we are very lucky to be able to host it at such a fantastic venue.

“Well done to all the young people who took part; they should be really proud of their achievements. Many of our cadets hadn't picked up an instrument until they joined Sea Cadets, which makes it all the more remarkable.”

The Massed Bands of the South-West Area including cadets from Portland, Coldfield, Tenby, Taunton, Fishguard and Burnham-on-Sea units, won Runners-Up To Best All-Round Band.

The Massed Bands of the Southern Area – made up of cadets from Folkestone and Hythe, Herne Bay, Reigate and Sheppey units, went on to win The Best All-Round Band award.

Other cadet groups that took part in the competition included Barnsley Unit representing Eastern Area; Poole Unit representing Southern Area; Weston-super-Mare Unit representing South West Area, and The Massed Bands of the North-West Area, made up of cadets from Ellesmere Port and Connah’s Quay units.

Sea Cadets has 400 units across the UK, supported by 9,000 volunteers. As well as band practice, young people can enjoy activities ranging from rowing, kayaking and sailing, to marine engineering and drill.