A NEWPORT man has been awarded for his long service volunteering with the Newport Sea Cadets.

Jeff Bowen received his Cadet Forces Medal from the Sea Cadet Association.

The medal was presented to Chief Petty Officer (S.C.C.) Bowen during their Royal Naval parade and inspection by Commander Nigel Morton R.N.

Mr Bowen said: “I’m proud of what I do. The kids were congratulating me too. That was quite moving – knowing they appreciated it.”

Mr Bowen began volunteering with Newport Sea Cadets in 1997 and achieved his rank of petty officer in 2001. He eventually was appointed as officer-in-charge of the unit in 2003 and continued in this role until July 2010.

Mr Bowen has since continued as a senior instructor and remains an active member of the unit. He said: “As long as I’m well enough to learn, I’ll keep on teaching.”

The parade, held at Newport Sea Cadets base at Riverside, was attended by Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle and the deputy mayor Cllr Trevor Watkins and his wife Mrs Jean Watkins.

Newport Sea Cadets has been at its base since 1953. The interior has recently received a make over thanks two grants – an Awards for All Grant and a second grant obtained from Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (G.A.V.O.) small grants programme.

Following the Inspection last year, Newport Sea Cadets received the penultimate award of a Pennant. It is hoped this year the Inspection will lead them to the highest award.