Poole Sea Cadets is the first Sea Cadet Unit in the country to implement a solar panel scheme at its premises at Sterte Avenue West in Poole – and it is now selling electricity back to the grid.

This big success story was reflected on at the annual meeting and prize giving which took place recently.

The prizes were presented by the Unit’s patron, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Tony Trent accompanied by the Sheriff of Poole, Cllr Mike Brooke. The cadets’ president, Rear Admiral Nick Lambert, RN (Retd), was also on hand to help guide proceedings.

The cadets have named the solar panel scheme – which was achieved through a grant bid to Low Carbon Dorset – ‘Project Liquid Sun’.

The substantial sum of money saved can now be spent on the cadet experience.

During the year 60 cadets achieved no less than 492 qualifications.