On Friday 3rd June a new youth group launched in Caterham-on-the-Hill and limited places are being snapped up by eager youngsters.

Royal Marines Cadets is a new youth initiative launched by the Sea Cadets based in The Grove. The Royal Marines Cadets forms a detachment (RMCD) of the existing Sea Cadet Unit, falling within the local charity for funding and accommodation, but Royal Marines Cadets have their own staff, training programme and activities.

With greater emphasis on adventurous training, climbing and military skills such as target shooting and field navigation, Royal Marines Cadets will appeal to young people looking for land-based fun and adventure. Youngsters continue to wear a uniform, that of the Royal Marines, and the range of water-based activities within the Sea Cadets is available to Royal Marines Cadets too, so young people seeking a greater challenge have a big choice of activities.

Royal Marines Cadets is open to boys aged 13-18 and will initially run on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7pm until 9.30pm. Adult members of the community are being sought to help firm up the existing volunteers who will instruct the Marine Cadets. More information is available via a special website www.caterhamcadets.co.uk. Those interested in joining can add their details to the growing list by emailing Marines_caterham@yahoo.co.uk or by calling 01883 345775 on a Tuesday or Friday evening.

Speaking of the new venture, Commanding Officer Aaron Clarke said "Having a Unit that is nearly 70 years old, we are very experienced in offering exciting and challenging activities in a safe learning environment. I am sure the Royal Marines Cadets will appeal to a whole generation of young people, adding a new perspective for those young people who might otherwise just walk past us without a second thought."