The Basildon Sea Cadets branch has clawed its way bank from the brink of closing to be named the fourth best unit in Essex.
The squad, of about 30 members aged 10 to 18, has jumped from last place to number four in the past two years and branch chairman Mark Wells couldn't be happier. He said: "We've clawed our way back. We almost closed through lack of members, but look at us now."
The branch held its annual awards evening, with Tom Wells, Stephen Gray and Dominic Callaghan taking the top three awards which included a week's holiday to Weymouth.
Other awards included most promising cadet to Louis Smith; overall collector to Jasmine Wells; sports person of the year to Shannon Dobson; boating and sailing award to Jamie Philips; best uniform to Charlie Wells; junior cadet of the year to Sinead Dobson; engineering trophy to Tom Wells; and the staff award to Colin Wells.
The trophies were presented by Basildon Council chairman Sandra Hillier and Basildon Rotary Club Concord chairman Colin Freeman.
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