A SEA cadet branch, threatened with closure just a year ago, is now thriving.

Just 12 months ago, Banbury Sea Cadets was down to eight members, had no staff and faced imminent closure.

Its fortunes were turned around after former cadet commander Jon Cox heard about the group’s plight and stepped in.

Now membership stands at 40, and the group has seven training staff.

Last month, cadets took part in a Royal Naval parade. A crowd of about 60 turned out to watch the event.

Onlookers were treated to a boating demonstration in which cadets had to put their knowledge to the test by checking weather conditions, tidal streams, navigation and buoyage systems, and health and safety issues.

Ten cadets were presented with proficiency badges and a new member was welcomed into the group.

Capt Windsor said: “I am delighted to see Banbury Sea Cadets is thriving and in good health again. It is clearly on the move again after many years of being in decline.”

Afterwards Cmdr Cox said: “I was delighted with the cadets and the performance they put on.”

He said it had been hard work establishing the unit again – he had formally retired 20 years ago.

He added: “We have had fantastic support from the community. It had always been there, the difficulty was no-one had really gone out and shaken it about. That is all I have done – I have gone around and shown everyone we are here.

He hopes to build the unit up to 100 cadets and 20 staff.

Cadets meet every Monday and Thursday at the TA Centre, Oxford Road, Banbury, with sessions starting at 7pm.

Anyone interested in joining the group as a cadet, supporter or trustee should call 07725302188 or email coharvester@live.com