A NORTH-EAST sea cadets unit is on the crest of a wave after receiving grants of more than £50,000 from a charitable foundation.

Seaham Sea Cadets have been able to splash out on a new boat thanks to the latest financial boost from County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF).

Youngsters attending the unit have benefited from more than £50,000 from the Community Foundation in the past 11 years, supporting their move to a smart new headquarters overlooking the sea in North Terrace.

The latest grant of £3,700 comes from the E.ON Haswell Moor Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund, which is managed by CDCF, and has been used to buy a Whaly boat and mooring rights for the next three years at the local marina.

Seaham Sea Cadets chairman Paul Barber said: “We are immensely grateful to County Durham Community Foundation because the support we have had has revolutionised the education, training and life experiences of our members.”

Since moving out of the dilapidated former base in Princess Road, and into the new HQ in March this year, the number of members has trebled.

Mr Barber added: “All the research shows that the most important factor in keeping cadets interested is given them time and experience on the water and the new boat is invaluable in that respect.”

The multi-purpose, child-friendly, low maintenance boat is used to take cadets out within the outer sea wall at Seaham Marina. It also enables the cadets to be trained in a national powerboating qualification through the Royal Yachting Association.

As well as contributing towards building and equipping the new centre to a high standard, money from the Community Foundation has also enabled 12 cadets to take part in a voyage on a Tall Ship, and others to attend an outward bound course.

Mr Barber’s son Ethan, 18, who joined when he was ten, said: “Being in Seaham Sea Cadets has helped me build confidence and develop leadership skills and having the new centre, and now the new boat, makes the world of difference.”

County Durham Community Foundation chief executive Barbara Gubbins said: “Seaham Sea Cadets provide invaluable life skills for local young people and we are delighted to have been able to help pave the way for an exciting new era in their history.”

• To find out more about Seaham Sea Cadets, go to www.sea-cadets.org/seaham

• To find out more about grants available from County Durham Community Foundation, go to www.cdcf.org.uk