JUST DAYS before the Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant retires on his 75th birthday, Cowes Sea Cadets were privileged to have him visit their unit.

Maj Gen Sir Martin White made the presentations to the group, before his official retirement on Thursday (21).

Cowes Sea Cadets offers a wide range of activities including sailing, kayaking, surf kayaking, orienteering, shooting, power boating, canoeing, drill and qualifications including BTECs.

Juniors start at 10 years old and seniors go through from 12 to 18 years.

Presentations on the evening went to Darcy Muncer for six years' service. Darcy is a surf kayak coach and part of the surf kayak England squad, so he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and gives the cadets the experience of a lifetime.

Also awarded were Therese Young for six years' service, Holly Moody for officer in charge cadet of the year, Alicia Davison for her promotion to Cadet 1st Class.

Leah Hamilton got the Pete Kilshaw Award for Endeavour, and Caden Tombleson, who is now a senior, was awarded junior cadet of the year.

Some new official positions were announced, including new president Peter Grimaldi and the Rev Andrew Poppe as Padre.

All the staff are volunteers, trained to a high standard. To join, as a cadet or volunteer, visit on a Monday or Thursday evening from 7pm to 9pm, at the Sea Cadet unit in Arctic Road, Cowes.

For further information, email tsosbornessc@gmail.com or richard.tombleson@virgin.net.