HRH The Earl of Wessex visited the Salisbury Sea Cadets Unit this afternoon to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Diamond Challenge.

More than 60 cadets from across the country welcomed him at the unit in New Bridge Road before rowing with, and against, him in a number of races on the River Avon.

The Salisbury Sea Cadets Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Clive Hackett, said: "This was a celebration of the Diamond Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award, which the sea cadets have been involved with from the start.

"Salisbury was chosen to host the celebration because of its venue and the facilities."

The Diamond Challenge involved the sea cadets rowing the equivalent distance from Salisbury to Windsor of 75 miles and the Prince joined them both on the river and on the rowing machines.

Fourteen-year-old Thomas Musselwhite, from Salisbury, who took part in the competition, said: "I've been a sea cadet for four years - you make lots of good friends and get qualifications.

"We spoke to the Earl of Wessex about what we have been doing here with the sea cadets and the Duke of Edinburgh award."

Fifteen-year-old Kasia Bates, from Essex, who is now doing her silver DofE, added: "I joined the sea cadets three years ago as I knew other people in it who were enjoying doing the courses."

In addition to displaying his rowing prowess, the Earl of Wessex met with local dignitaries and presented a number of pin badges and certificates to cadets and volunteers.

Thanking everyone who had taken part in the event, the Prince said: "I am delighted that so many of you got involved and I hope you have fun in completing your DofE awards.

"Thank you to all the volunteers and staff. Keep up the fantastic work."

Lieutenant Ruth Musselwhite said: "Today has been a good opportunity for the cadets, and also Prince Edward, who is able to see what we do and what can be done at an inland unit.

"Being a sea cadet gives you self-discipline and encourages teamwork. It also looks good on CVs.

"There are opportunities to take part in courses from windsurfing and diving to mountain climbing and first aid."

Responsibility for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme was taken over by the Earl of Wessex from his father who launched it 60 years ago.

The Salisbury Sea Cadets Unit president Colonel Mark Hatt-Cook said: "I'm delighted Prince Edward is here because the facilities we have are extremely good. The unit is extremely well led with a highly competent training programme and the parents put in a huge amount of effort. As a youth organisation it is one of the finest.

"His Royal Highness was extremely game and volunteered to go on the water. So far he has rowed, been the cox and he hasn't fallen in."

Every year 2,000 sea cadets take part in the DofE, achieving their Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.

In celebration of its 60th year, the charity launched the DofE Diamond Challenge, a one-off initiative which allows people of all ages to take on a DofE inspired challenge.

The Salisbury Sea Cadets Unit has around 75 cadets, aged between ten and 18.