NORTH-EAST sea cadets will be trained in shipshape fashion thanks to a £30,000 grant.

Newcastle Building Society will give the cash over the next three years to the North of England Cadet Forces Trust, which serves sea cadet corps, Army cadet corps and air training corps throughout the region, from Teesside to Berwick.

The funding will be split equally among sea, Army and air cadet units throughout County Durham, Tyneside and Northumberland.

It will be used to buy equipment, including wet suits and wind-proof clothing,

Lieutenant Commander Alfie Simpson, of the sea cadets, said the sponsorship would ensure the trust's sailing centre on Tyneside would have the right equipment for youngsters.

"Whether they are sailing, power boating or boat-pulling, rowing or canoeing, the cadets develop both individual skills and team-working skills," he said.

"Perhaps more important is the fact that we can help to build their self-confidence and give them an understanding of the importance of good citizenship."

Newcastle Building Society regional manager Keith Amiss spent a morning with the sea cadets brushing up on his nautical know-how.

He said: "It was great fun and I can now fully appreciate the considerable team-building benefits for the cadets. The skills, hard work and discipline of the cadets were also very impressive.

"As a mutual society we donate about £100,000 a year in one-off donations and sponsorships to worthy causes. Having seen the cadets at first hand, I can honestly say this is an extremely worthy cause to support."