Dignitaries were piped on board by sea cadets at an awards ceremony.

A full ship of 40 cadets, parents, friends and VIPs including Lt Paul White, the mayor of Swindon Rex Barnett, Commanding Officer Keith Taylor and Rear Admiral Wilkinson, president of TS Resolution Management Committee, were invited to the ceremony at Swindon Sea Cadets’ hall in Upham Road.

Pauline van der Sanden, of the sea cadets, said: “This year we invited Lt Paul White to present the awards. He is serving on HMS Portland our affiliated ship, having just returned from patrols in and around the Falkland Islands.’’ The evening began with the colours representing the ship’s flag being hoisted on board and then there was a formal opening ceremony, an inspection of the cadets in full uniform, and then the presentation of the awards.

The sea cadets are looking for new members to join the unit management committee to support the young people. Anyone interested should email admin@swindonseacadets.co.uk.