THE St Helens Sea Cadets headquarters, T.S. Scimitar, is all ship-shape and Bristol fashion, thanks to the generosity of big-hearted St Helens folk.

And it's a far cry from 18 months ago, when the unit was floundering due to a series of burglaries and vandalism attacks on their Mill Street base, which lowered the cadets' morale as they could not afford the cost of refurbishment.

But now, thanks to generous benefactors who dug deep to raise the money to refurbish the building, the cadets have a new training galley, cadet canteen, a boat workshop and a ward room. Unit chairman, John Bowden said: "The cadets have really worked hard to improve the unit's standards and recently received a Pennant for High Standard of Achievement following a Royal Navy Inspection. More importantly, they also received a written commendation from Commodore Parker who is the Commodore over the Sea Cadet Corp nationwide."

The unit has also enjoyed successes closer to home with wins in the District Seamanship Quiz, Girl's five-a-side football competition and a Junior Rowing competition. The corps also achieved a higher-than-average qualification pass rate making them one of the best units in the district.

Lord Derby will be guest of honour at a special presentation evening to be held on Thursday, February 24.

Meanwhile the unit is planning to expand yet further on their success after being given the go-ahead to establish a Marine Cadet Detachment at the base.

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