A 60-year voyage has been celebrated by a Bury youth organisation.

On Friday, past and present members of Bury Sea Cadets gathered at their headquarters in Marsden Street to celebrate their diamond anniversary.

The party began with a display by serving cadets, followed by a tour of the headquarters. The guest-of-honour was the founder instructor of the cadets, Chief Petty Officer John Howarth.

The 279 Sea Cadet Unit, TS Northelton, began life in 1943 in a school in North Street, Radcliffe. When the school was due to be demolished, the group relocated to purpose-built headquarters at Bury Bridge, where it relaunched as TS Scorpion.

It was destroyed by fire in the 1960s and cadets were forced to man the decks at a former builders' yard in Marsden Street, where they have remained ever since.

During their 60 years, more than 2,000 young people have enlisted and enjoyed a variety of activities.

Mrs Margaret Ramsden, vice-chairman of the Bury Sea Cadets committee, has been involved with the unit since its birth. Her late husband, John, became the commanding officer when it was re-christened TS Scorpion.

She said: "Over the years, many officers and civilian volunteers have given their time unstintingly. The main aim of the unit is to train young boys and girls for leadership rolls in the community, to learn discipline and personal well-being, to learn about nautical matters to enable them to have a knowledge of the basics if they wish to pursue a career at sea, which many have done."

To find out more about the cadets contact either Michael Holt on 01706 82 4521 or Mrs Margaret Ramsden on 0161 764 3613.