MARYPORT and Solway Sea Cadets have become the first unit in the country to be awarded the King’s Voluntary Service Award.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK-equivalent to an MBE.

Management committee chairman Mark Dawson said it was even more special because no other sea cadets in the UK had been awarded the honour.

Maryport and Solway Sea Cadet Unit is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty the King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. 

Six representatives of Maryport sea cadets will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mr. Alexander Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria.

In addition, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Mr Dawson said: “I am humbled and honoured that the unit’s work has been recognised via this most prestigious award. It is also a reward for the effort and support the entire community has given to the unit over many years, which have helped ensure our young people have the right resources and equipment to thrive.

“ I also pay tribute to the dedicated hard work and commitment of our adult volunteers, who create the environment for cadets to enjoy learning and developing skills whilst enjoying themselves.”

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Claire Bostel added: “If an individual award is the result of a team effort, then a team award - like the KAVS - is the result of a community effort. I am especially pleased for all of the current and former cadets, they should feel rightly proud that their contribution to the unit and to the community has been recognised by the King.  ”

Cadet Zak when he recently applied for an administration role at the local Marina, “my training and understanding of seamanship, sailing and powerboating - learning gained since I joined Maryport and Solway Sea Cadets aged 10 - helped me to secure the position and immediately start work, supporting and sorting yacht and boat owners' technical and administrative issues".

The unit’s AGM will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at 7.30pm