Saltash Maritime Cadets paraded from Saltash Guildhall to St Nicholas and St Faith Church for a service of blessing and dedication of their flags.

The new ceremonial flag, carried by Ordinary Cadet Molly Furlonger, was dedicated by the priest in charge of Saltash Team Ministry, the Reverend Cathy Sigrist, who also blessed the cadets’ other flag used for practise purposes, which was carried by Ordinary Cadet Connor Stapleton.

Lt Jenny Hutchinson, the Maritime Cadets’ commanding officer, read the first lesson. Commander Richard Fry read the second lesson and gave a short address.

The service ended with the National Anthem and the procession of standards of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association and Maritime Cadets who led a march past with the salute taken by Saltash Mayor, Councillor Jean Dent .

Officers attending the event included Captain of the Maritime Cadet Corps Captain Richard Tyrrell, Commander Charles Crichton, patron of the Federation of Plymouth and District Ex-Services Associations, and Chairman of Saltash Maritime Cadets, Mr Pete Whiteway.

Saltash Maritime Cadets were formed in 2012. They now meet at Unit 7 Castle Buidlings, Gilston Road, Saltash for young people aged eight to 18.

The Saltash unit takes its name Defiance after the training ship that was moored in the River Lynher for many years.

Refreshments were served in the Guildhall after the event.