Teenage Sea Cadet Jade hopes to inspire others

Jade Longstaff has undertaken the role for the past 12 months.

During that time she has assisted the Lord Lieutenant with royal, military and civic events, as well as acting as an ambassador for Sea Cadets and young people from the region.

Now, she hopes her time in the role will inspire other sea cadets coming through the ranks.

Jade, who is a Petty Officer cadet, is currently training to be a volunteer at the unit based at Mountbatten Memorial Building in Prince Consort Road Industrial Estate, Hebburn.

Jade said: “Without Hebburn Sea Cadets, I don’t know where I would be.

“Sea Cadets has provided me with so much confidence and I have experienced so many exhilarating challenges which have been great fun.

“The highlights have been becoming the Lord Lieutenant Cadet, going on offshore voyages and securing lots of nationally-recognised qualifications.”

Jade has been a Sea Cadet for six years and amassed a vast array of nationally recognised qualifications across a range of disciplines such as sailing, marine engineering, maritime skills, power boating and Duke of Edinburgh.

The cadets are currently recruiting for more young people, aged between 10-18, to join them and take part in a range of nautical adventures and fun based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.

There is also the chance for cadets to gain nationally accredited qualifications.

For information on Hebburn and Sunderland sea cadets visit www.sea-cadets.org/hebburnandsunderland