Over 300 guests, including many proud parents, gathered at Flegg High School to watch the most spectacular passing out parade yet of 901 Troop Winterton Marine Cadets.

Over 300 guests, including many proud parents, gathered at Flegg High School to watch the most spectacular passing out parade yet of 901 Troop Winterton Marine Cadets.

The well polished Band of 901 Troop, dressed in full ceremonial "blues" including pith helmets, opened the event by marching on at the head of the parade, drums beating, bugles playing and bayonets flashing in the sun.

The cadets then entertained the spectators with music, arms drill and, after the prize giving, a re-enactment of a typical reconnaissance patrol making good use of their Landrover and Ferret Armoured Car.

Among Vip guests were high ranking serving and ex serving members of the armed forces, Great Yarmouth MP Tony Wright, the High Steward of Yarmouth Michael Falcon, the deputy mayor Terry Easter and his wife Jenny.

Promotions and awards covering various achievements in training were made to the cadets and staff. The Senior Officers Award, went to Sgt T Lacey for services above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt's Savage and Micklethwaite were promoted to Colour Sgt's and Cadet Colour Sgt Jane Paddison, having now attained the age of 18, was promoted to Cadet Staff Instructor.

Of the many Cadets called forward Marine Cadet Cpl Tom Rimmer was stunned to be promoted to Sgt and Cpl Taylor startled to be nominated and receive the Best Bandsman award.

Special reference was made to their role as Royal Guard of Honour for HRH Princess Anne when she visited Yarmouth. WO1 C Blowers of the Military School of Music said that he was amazed at the rapid improvement in the band, especially the drummers close to the standards of the Royal Marines.