Local MP, who is the minister for security, James Brokenshire visited his local Sea cadet unit, T.S.Kent. Chislehurst and Sidcup Sea cadet unit of 1, Sandy Lane, Sidcup.

This was a standard sea cadet evening, with the junior cadets pitching tents and cooking marshmallows over an open flame and dipping them in melted chocolate.

Mr Brokenshire was welcomed and joined in with the feasting. Following on from this he visited the Marine cadets who were setting up a camp with bivvies and preparing ration packs.

The main contingent of sea cadets were involved in a communications lesson with radios and how to use them correctly.

The evening was concluded with Mr Brokenshire presenting medals and badges to cadets for success in competition and courses, and finally the formal evening colours ceremony.

Mr Brokenshire was then presented with a book of naval slang by the unit’s commanding officer. The sea cadets are open to young people between the ages of 10 and 18.

The unit at the above address meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and can be contacted on 0208 300 3536 or by email – sidcupseacadet82@btinternet.com.

Based on information supplied by PO Karen Leonard.