FOR more than 100 years, generations of young people in Newport have been set on the right course to adulthood thanks to the sterling work of the city's Sea Cadets.

But the future was looking bleak today for those teenagers who give up their time for the cadets instead of hanging around street corners - all because of yob culture.

For leaders of the group which has a proud history in the city say they could disband because they are sick of coming under attack from vandals.

Their premises and equipment has been torn apart in recent months in a series of mindless attacks.

In the last year, more than £3,000 worth of damage has been caused at TS Resolute on the Riverside.

This week the unit's flagpole was damaged beyond repair, and last month the Argus reported how the cadets' weapons were stolen during a break in.

And in April an arson attack caused hundreds of pounds of damage to their recently refurbished toilets.

Chairwoman Elaine Blackely said the latest incidents were part of an ongoing series of attacks on the cadets' equipment and facilities that is putting their future in the city at risk.

She said: "It does put the future of the unit in jeopardy because it means we are putting money into repairs and buying new equipment that would otherwise be spent on activities.

"We are a charity and any money we get has to be raised ourselves." She said insurance premiums which rocketed to £1,400 last year were again set to rise after the spate of burglaries and vandalism.

"The insurance this year is set to spiral yet again. This is all money which stops us doing other things."

The mayor of Newport Ray Truman said: "They have provided a fantastic service to Newport and it is sad because they are exactly the type of association that should be supported as much as possible.

"That they could be driven away because of this mindless vandalism is a crying shame."

There are just under 30 cadets in Newport aged between 10 and 18. They regularly take part in civic occasions.

Gwent Police are investigating the attacks and anyone with information should telephone 01633 838111.