Sea Cadets take part in Jubilee Pageant

Sea Cadets take part in Jubilee Pageant Credit: ITV

The regions Sea Cadets have taken to the River Thames as part of a 1,000 strong flotilla in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

They joined Sea Cadets from across the UK to lead The Queen's Jubilee barge, Gloriana, down the Thames. The huge pageant is the biggest event seen on the river since 1717.

The Cadets are aged from 12 to 18. Altogether they sailed 55 boats down the Thames, each one carrying a flag to represent a commonwealth nation, sailing in a diamond formation along the 11km route from Wandsworth to Greenwich. Cadets from Gosforth in Newcastle had the honour of carrying Union flag.

Sea Cadets escorting the Royal barge Credit: ITV

Captain Sea Cadets, Capt Mark Windsor RN said, "This is a great honour for us, not least as HM The Queen is our Patron, but it also offers our cadets an incredible opportunity to take part in a once in a lifetime event, to be part of history" .'

Duke of Edinburgh on Royal barge waves to Sea Cadets Credit: ITV

Northumbria District Officer Lt Cdr (SCC) Alfie Simpson RNR said "This is a fabulous opportunity for our cadets to take part in these celebrations. The cadets and staff feel honoured to be given this opportunity to represent our region."

Sea Cadets boats representing the 54 commonwealth nations Credit: ITV