A MAYOR is being asked for his help in keeping a sea cadet unit afloat.

The 30 youngsters in the TS Marlborough Sea Cadets, at Middlesbrough, have received their marching orders from their base at Coulby Newham, which they share with 104 Pioneer Regiment.

The Territorial Army needs the cadets' meeting room, so the unit has been asked to leave by Monday.

Middlesbrough Council has offered the unit the use of the West Lodge, in the newly-revamped Albert Park, as a temporary home only, possibly until April.

Cadets' chairwoman Liz Chambers has now sent Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon an SOS, asking him to extend the unit's stay in the West Lodge, to give the cadets time to submit a bid for Lottery funding to make permanent home shipshape to move into.

The group has found a possible permanent home, a second lodge in the park, next to the park lake.

However, the building is flood-damaged, rundown and needs refurbishment.

Mrs Chambers said: "We would like the mayor to let us stay in the (West) Lodge for however long it would take us to put in for a grant.

"The mayor told Second World War veterans this week that he wanted to help youth.''

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "We are currently accommodating them in the West Lodge. They can certainly stay there until April.

"At the moment, another organisation, Environment City, are considering whether they want to move in.

"They have not made any decision yet. We are awaiting their outcome.

"We cannot say whether the cadets will be able to stay.

"We would certainly be very supportive of any bid. We recognise the excellent work they do and will be very supportive and delighted if they secure funding for a full-time home in the lodge next to the lake.

"We look forward to a successful bid."