One of the city's longest running youth organisations is set to celebrate 100 years this summer – but more members are needed if the group is to continue for another century.

The Norwich Sea Cadets are calling out for more youngsters to join as the organisation gears up for its 100th anniversary.

Based at Norwich's Riverside aboard the TS Lord Nelson, the group offers young people aged between 10 and 18 the chance to get involved in water sports, make new friends and learn life-long skills.

At the moment there are about 22 members on the books but the unit, which celebrates its centenary in June, has the capacity for another 40 youngsters.

It is hoped that as we head to the summer months, more children will get involved.

Commanding officer Mark Janner-Burgess, pictured below, said: 'We're looking for new cadets to join who like to take part in water sport activities: sailing, canoeing, rowing, power boating.

'We enter a number of competitions and cadets also get the chance to gain BTEC qualifications and Duke of Edinburgh awards.

'We are not a military organisation as such and we are not active recruiters for the Navy. We are another youth organisation.'

Throughout the year, youngsters get the chance to take part in sailing, rowing and canoeing events at the Griffin Marine in Thorpe St Andrew.

The unit last year bought four rowing boats, which cost about �2,500 each and were paid for with a grant of �6,000 from the Geoffrey Watling Charity and money from other benefactors.

The cadets also get the chance to go out to sea on the Sea Cadets training vessel TS Jack Petchey. During the off-shore trip, they get to experience life at sea and put their navigation and seamanship skills to the test.

Mr Janner-Burgess added: 'You get a lot of talk about kids not doing a lot, but here the children get to be part of something and are doing positive things in the local community; it's great.'

Thousands of young people have gone through the Norwich Sea Cadets over the past 100 years and many of the young people go on to volunteer with the cadets. The unit, which is a registered charity, is run by a team of volunteers and relies on fundraising and donations. The Ministry of Defence only provides its uniforms and some of the boats.

To mark their 100th anniversary, they will be holding a centenary ball on Friday, June 8, at the Oaklands Hotel Norwich, in Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost �25 per person.

They are also appealing for any former cadets, staff or supporters to play a part in their celebrations.

If you are a former cadet or volunteer, email norwichseacadets@hotmail.co.uk

To find out more about Norwich Sea Cadets, call 01603 631787 or go to the Norwich Sea Cadets Facebook page.

Is your group or club celebrating a special milestone? Contact Kate Scotter on 01603 772326, or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk