THE second phase of an appeal to help fund the activities of North-East cadets has been launched.

Dignitaries, including Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson, County Durham Lord Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson, and Viscount Ridley gathered at HMS Trincomalee, in Hartlepool, for the launch.

They were entertained by cadet displays, including sailing, canoeing and Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, before Sir Paul outlined the purpose of the appeal. It follows the setting up of the North of England Cadet Forces' Trust by Lord Ridley, in 1998.

The trust's aim was to raise £500,000 to help 5,000 young members of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and the Air Training Corps. Almost £250,000 was raised, and the latest appeal hopes to build on that success.

They hope to reach their target within two years.