FOR almost seven decades it has guided young Cadets through to a career in the forces - helping instil qualities of discipline and good behaviour. TS Norfolk, based at Riverside Road, in Gorleston, has helped hundreds of youngsters from the borough achieve their ambitions, and April marks the group's 70th anniversary.

FOR almost seven decades it has guided young Cadets through to a career in the forces - helping instil qualities of discipline and good behaviour.

TS Norfolk, based at Riverside Road, in Gorleston, has helped hundreds of youngsters from the borough achieve their ambitions, and April marks the group's 70th anniversary.

A celebratory parade will be held in Gorleston on April 6 and St Andrew's Church will host a special service. Now the unit is appealing to former members to come forward and be part of the celebrations.

Chief Petty Officer Philip Corbyn said: “We would like former Cadets, staff and former committee members to get involved. Anyone affiliated with the unit should contact us because we would like them to be part of this celebration.”

A parade, led by the marching band from Winterton Marine Cadets 901 Troop, will take a route along the High Street.

About 120 Cadets will take part with youngsters from Norwich, Lowestoft and Beccles units forming up as well.

Mr Corbyn has been involved with the Sea Cadets for 22 years.

He said: “We try to instil good behaviour so youngsters grow up to be good citizens.” He added that historically the Sea Cadets had acted as a stepping stone for a career into the armed forces but nowadays Cadets gained skills for several career options.

The Sea Cadets as a youth organisation in Yarmouth dates back to the 1850s to the early days of the Naval Lads Brigade.

TS Norfolk began life in 1938 as a Sea Cadet corps unit first known as TS Wishbone. Its name was changed to TS Yarmouth when the unit became affiliated to HMS Yarmouth.

When the ship was decommissioned in 1985, HMS Norfolk became the unit's affiliated vessel and accordingly the groups' name was changed.

The unit spent many years based at Koolunga House in Gorleston, before moving to its current premises in Riverside Road in 1964.

It caters for junior Cadets, aged 10 to 12, and senior Cadets aged 12 to 18.

Only last year it had been suffering with poor numbers, with just eight Cadets on the books. Today, it has grown and has 35 Cadets.

Anyone interested in taking part in the celebratory event or who would like more information, contact Mr Corbyn on 01493 308169.